Police have confirmed that two suspects linked to a planned cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery were shot dead in Soweto, Johannesburg, during a joint law enforcement operation.
SAPS clashes with suspected cash-in-transit mob in Soweto
Five more suspects were arrested during the takedown, which took place in Dobsonville.
Authorities say the group was on its way to rob a cash delivery vehicle — commonly referred to as a CIT van — when police and private security teams acted on information received ahead of time.
The police had been tracking the group through an operation involving multiple units, including the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, the Gauteng Tracking Team, the Hawks (DPCI), and private organisations like Tracker Connect and Gemini Global Defence.
The suspects were intercepted before they could carry out the robbery. A shootout followed, leaving two of them dead. The rest were taken into custody without further incident.
During the arrests, police found and confiscated several items believed to have been used for criminal activities.
These included one R5 rifle and two handguns — all unlicensed — as well as ammunition for the weapons. Officers also seized a set of gloves, fake car number plates, and several cellphones, which are now part of the ongoing investigation.
Three vehicles were also recovered: a Mercedes-Benz that was previously reported to police in another case, a Toyota Quantum, and a Suzuki Swift — both suspected of being used during crimes.
Cash-in-transit robberies usually involve heavily armed gangs targeting security vans that carry large amounts of cash, often from ATMs or retail stores.
These crimes are known to be violent and well-planned, which is why special police teams and private security experts are often brought in to track and stop the suspects before they strike.
The arrested suspects will now face charges related to possession of illegal firearms, use of stolen vehicles, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Police say investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow.
