Tebogo Msimanga |
The Police Ministry says it is encouraged by the continued efforts of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to dismantle criminal syndicates, responsible for violent crimes that threaten the country’s citizens and national security.
An intelligence-led criminal take-down by the SAPS’s Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) supported by specialised units of the SAPS, on a heavily armed and dangerous gang believed to be behind a series of Cash In Transit (CIT) heists in Limpopo has once again stamped the authority of the state.
According to police reports, on Friday 01 September 2023, the intelligence-led operation led officers to a safe house in Makhado Limpopo, where they planned to arrest a gang of criminals planning a CIT robbery.
Police Ministry Spokesperson Lirandzu Themba said when police arrived on the scene instead of surrendering, the armed gang began shooting at the police who then retaliated. “Eighteen of the heavily armed and dangerous suspects including two females were fatally shot. One police officer was injured during the exchange of fire and is being treated in hospital”.
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele said police are urged to continue to execute their mandate as enshrined in the Constitution, in protecting the public and enforcing the law.
“This fatal shoot-out and take down which lasted over 90 minutes must serve as a serious warning to criminals; individuals or gangs – that police will forever respond accordingly to any level of criminality”.
