A manhunt has been launched by the Western Cape Hawks for three suspects who are allegedly part of a group of 13 suspected cash-in-transit robbers ‘planning to rob a private security company’ earlier this month, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Police members descended upon the gang at their hideout in Bekelentloko Street, Town Two in Khayelitsha, to foil their plans. This resulted in a shootout, where eight gunmen were killed and five were injured.
Also read: Suspected Khayelitsha cash-in-transit robbers’ case struck from court roll, sparks outrage
In the aftermath, seven AK47 rifles, two R5 rifles, one R4 rifle, a Dashprod rifle, two 9mm pistols, three ‘improvised’ explosive chargers and numerous magazines filled with rounds of ammunition were discovered, according to News24.
Futhermore, police seized four vehicles, two of which were linked to ‘house robberies and hijackings’.
Two of the five suspects that were arrested had to be hospitalised, while the remaining three appeared in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court.
However, the case was struck off the court roll, because the suspects were brought to court ‘after the 48-hour period stipulated by law’.
Over the weekend, the Hawks released identikits of three of the suspects, seeking public assistance in locating Cassiem Isaac Feni (37), Tebogo Simon Maluke (51) and Avuyile Mjongwana (23).
The three suspects are wanted in connection with attempted murder, possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of explosives.
The Hawks, in collaboration with Crime Intelligence and Special Task Force officers, acted on information about a planned cash-in-transit heist, according to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani.
‘Information was operationalised, which resulted in a shootout between the suspects and the police […] The shootout led to eight suspects being fatally wounded and five suspects being arrested,’ said Hani.
The police have requested that anyone who can identify the suspects or knows about their whereabouts contact investigating officers Captain Swan on 082 469 2164 and or Sergeant Hlatshaneni on 082 479 6265.
Also read:
Two men rearrested for cash-in-transit robbery in Khayelitsha
Picture: Sharon Seretlo / Gallo Images