A newly formed political party that campaigns on safety issues has offered a R200,000 reward for information that could lead to the arrest of those involved in Monday’s cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Mamelodi, outside Pretoria.
The attack happened in Extension 16 of the township, leaving two security guards dead and another hospitalised with gunshot wounds.
The assailants fled following a shootout with police, which left one officer injured.
Gauteng police said the money being transported was not stolen, while firearms and explosives were recovered at the scene.
The Security Personnel Party of South Africa (SPPSA) condemned the attack and offered a financial reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“SPPSA is offering a reward of R200,000 for information that will lead to the apprehension and successful prosecution of the robbers. All information to be directed to the police. We cannot condone such acts in Tshwane,” said SPPSA in a statement.
Two security officers lost their lives, while another remains in hospital fighting for his life.
It is reported that a heavily armed syndicate intercepted an armoured vehicle, using high-calibre firearms and explosives to compromise the cash van before fleeing the scene.
“Such acts of extreme violence show a complete disdain for human life and the rule of law,” the party said.
The party said it had set up a team to investigate the robbery.
A multidisciplinary task team has also been activated to track down the suspects and bring them to book.
“Cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies face widespread condemnation from law enforcement, private security regulators and government officials across South Africa,” said the party.
“As SPPSA, we want to issue a stern warning to members of the community to refrain from gathering at the crime scene to collect scattered notes.
“This practice is a criminal offence, constitutes theft and gravely risks lives due to unexploded devices and volatile crime scene dynamics,” the party said.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old man was reportedly arrested in the area for allegedly being in possession of a rifle believed to have been used in the crime.