RUSTENBURG: A woman is expected to appear in the Rustenburg Magistrates Court for the possession of suspected stolen or hijacked motor vehicles that were allegedly used in the commission of a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery earlier this week. Tuesday’s arrest in Tlhabane followed the CIT robbery on Monday.

According to South African Government News Agency, a white Mercedes Benz vehicle allegedly rammed a cash-in-transit security vehicle on the R104 road at Kroondal in Rustenburg. Despite the security guard driver continuing to drive, he was forced to stop after shots were fired at their vehicle. Consequently, he and his colleague jumped out but were caught by suspects who robbed them of their 9mm pistols. The suspects then blew up the security van with explosives and fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, driving in two vehicles. Fortunately, the security officers were not injured.

Intelligence gathered led police to an address in Kagiso, near Krugersdorp, where a Toyota Quantum suspected of being
used to transport the suspects between Gauteng and North West was confiscated. Members then proceeded to Tlhabane, near Rustenburg, and with the assistance of the Rustenburg Flying Squad, a female suspect in her 40s was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning for possession of suspected stolen or hijacked motor vehicles.

The team confiscated two vehicles: a Toyota bakkie, stolen in Bloemfontein in August 2024, and a Volkswagen Tiguan, hijacked from its owner in August 2024 in Boitekong, on suspicion they were used during the crime. The suspect is expected to appear before the Rustenburg Magistrates Court soon, police stated.

North West Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all members involved in tracking the suspect and vehicles for their diligence and multidisciplinary approach to bringing the suspect to justice, ensuring a safe and secure environment for all, especially during the Festive Season. General Kwena also appealed to the community to refrain from tampe
ring with or contaminating crime scenes, as happened in this instance.

Anyone who may have information that can assist the police in the investigation is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Captain Mollo Kgekoane, of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) at 082 338 3140.