PRETORIA – A dramatic turn of events unfolded on the afternoon of October 30, 2023, as four suspects involved in a planned cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery were fatally wounded in a police operation in Mmakau. Law enforcement agencies recovered three unlicensed firearms from the scene, including a rifle.

According to South Africa Police Service, a multi-disciplinary team received intelligence on a group planning to commit a CIT robbery between North West and Gauteng. The tip was immediately acted upon, leading authorities to the N4 highway where the suspects’ vehicle was located. A high-speed chase ensued, culminating in a shootout as the suspects entered Mmakau and realized they were about to be captured. The suspects lost control of their vehicle and collided with a fence. All four were fatally wounded, and three unlicensed firearms were seized.

The multi-disciplinary team involved in the operation comprised of the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), GAUTENG Traffic Saturation unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Chopper, Badboyz Security, Tracker Connect, CAP Specialised Operations, FRS-Falcon Risk Solutions, SAPS PHO Crime Intelligence, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team. Investigations are ongoing.