PRETORIA, Gauteng — At least three suspected criminals were fatally shot by law enforcement following a violent Pretoria cash-in-transit robbery attempt, authorities confirmed.
A Gauteng police spokesperson detailed that the incident occurred when officers intercepted a heavily armed crew believed to be targeting a cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle. The situation quickly escalated into a shootout when the suspects engaged the officers.
“The police exchanged fire with the suspected robbers, resulting in three fatalities,” the Gauteng police spokesperson stated, confirming that the armed men were in the active process of attempting to rob the CIT van when they were intercepted.
The criminal operation involved two separate vehicles. Following the initial shootout, the occupants of the second vehicle attempted to evade law enforcement and flee the scene. However, a pursuing police team managed to track the fleeing suspects.
During the pursuit and subsequent apprehension, one suspect was injured in the exchange and has since been arrested.
Following the securing of the scene, law enforcement conducted a thorough search of the area and the suspects’ vehicles. Officials confirmed the recovery of a significant arsenal, including an AK-47 rifle and two pistols. The two getaway vehicles utilized by the syndicate were also seized and remain impounded at the scene.
In accordance with standard legal protocols for incidents involving police use of force, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been deployed to the area. Forensic experts from the independent oversight body are currently working alongside local police forensics on the scene to gather evidence, process the site, and ensure a transparent investigation into the fatalities.
