Five suspects have been apprehended and police seized weapons and two vehicles used in a cash in transit heist at K&B Supermarket in Kimberley, around 10am this morning.
Photo posted by Derrick van Zyl on Social Media
According to provincial commissioner Risimati Shivuri, part of the stolen cash has been recovered after a shoot-out with the robbers. Other members of the gang escaped on foot into Greenpoint with the remainder of the money. Statements made to the police, indicate that there may have been as many as 10 robbers in the gang. According to eye witnesses the gang were heavily armed, carrying R5 rifles and 9mm handguns.
The robbers surrounded the G4s security vehicle and opened fire with R5 assault rifles.
Photo posted by Derrick van Zyl on Social Media
An eye witness to the robbery reported the crime in progress to the Saam Staan Kimberley Neighbourhood Watch. The witness saw two guards going down, and initial reports indicated that 2 guards were shot dead. Linja van Wyk of SSK soon reported back on WhatsApp groups managed by SSK, that the two guards were not shot, but that they dropped to the ground for their own safety.
Photo posted by Micaila Maritz Ward Social Media
On Social Media, members of the public praised the quick action of the Police.
The manhunt for the escaped robbers continues.
Photo posted on social media by Thembinkosi Bhunu
Photo posted on social media by Janine Nini Du Plooy
On Social Media
Cliffy September: “People I was there to witness how some of our boy’s in blue ran by foot from K&B to Greenside to catch these culprits,gun shots were echoing and the way they moved was impressive I have great respect for our men in blue JOB WELL DONE,salute keep it up,SAPS.”
17/11/2015 Update from the SAPS Facebook Page
The Kimberley police, including the Tactical Response Team, Public Order Police, Forensic Unit, Organised Crime Unit and Detectives have arrested five suspects in connection cash-in-transit heist. The cash-in-transit heist took place on Monday, 16 November 2015 near a local store at Beaconsfield. At this stage we are still busy with the investigation to determine how many suspects were involved in the cash-in-transit heist.
Some of the suspects fled the scene in an unknown direction, with an undisclosed amount of cash.
A total of five firearms were confiscated and two getaway vehicles were also seized. Some of the cash boxes with an undisclosed amount of cash have been recovered.
No persons were reported shot or injured during the cash-in-transit.
The Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Risimati Peter Shivuri commended his police officers for their swift respond to the incident. “We will continue to serve and protect the communities around the Northern Cape, and we urge the community to inform the police of any criminal activities in their neighbourhood, he said. The criminals will have no place in the society, police will be all over the province to clamp down on the criminals, says Lieutenant General Risimati Peter Shivuri.
The suspects will appear before the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. Investigation continues.
Credits & Sources
Photos Micaila Maritz Ward &
Derrick van Zyl
Saam Staan Kimberley
Kimberley City Portal
Linja van Wyk
Provincial commissioner Risimati Shivuri
Shortlink for this post: https://www.kimberley.org.za/?p=6256
