Three (3) suspects aged between (30) and (56) years old to appear before Tsolo Magistrates’ court on 22 March 2024 for allegations of cash-in-transit armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The trio was thus arrested in the early hours of morning on 21 March 2024 at Tsolo by the multi-disciplinary team.
The multi-disciplinary team consisting of Mthatha based Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Mthatha Local Record Centre (LCRC) conducted an intelligence driven disruptive operation following information about four targeted CIT wanted suspects who were traced to their respective homesteads in Tsolo. The team pounced on the first homestead where the suspect reportedly resides and he was arrested on the spot.
The team ensued to the second residence where another wanted suspect was also nabbed and his licensed 9mm pistol. The team further proceeded to the third residence where the last suspect was apprehended and in possession of unlicensed 9mm pistol its serial number filed off with live rounds of ammunition. Upon arrival to the forth homestead the suspects was not in his home, however the team confiscated cash (notes) which were stashed inside the suspect’s bedroom. Two 9mm pistols and live ammunition were also confiscated for further investigation.
The suspects were allegedly wanted for the CIT robberies that occurred in Mthatha area. Further investigation is underway to link the suspects with other violent crimes that had occurred in the Province.
The trio is due to appear before Tsolo Magistrates’ court on 22 March 2024.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Vennessa Shantelle Hastings commended the swift response by dedicated joint team for apprehending the CIT suspects. She is delighted by the highly trained officers who are continuously fight the scourge of CTI robberies in the Province.