The Hawks have shot and killed five bank robbers and arrested a female suspect following a mass shootout on the N14 Ventersdorp highway.

National Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the incident took place on Monday (27/11) afternoon. Officials followed up on information about suspects driving a Toyota and Volkswagen Polo on their way to commit a robbery in Carletonville.

She said the suspects were positively linked to three cases in Groblersdal, Secunda, and Hercules respectively.

  Five suspects were shot and killed after a shoot-out with the Hawks, Photo: SAPS

“The suspects, upon realising they were being pulled over by the police opened fire. A shootout with the suspects ensued. Five men between the ages of 25 and 35 years old were shot and killed, while a female suspect was arrested. Investigation into the matter continues."

A recent police statistical report shows cash-in-transit robberies in North West increased by 6.3%. from July to September 2022. Seven cases were reported in Central South Africa, with North West and Free State recording three each while one was reported in the Northern Cape. Between July and September 2023, one case was reported in the Free State, one in North West, and none in the Northern Cape.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi     Daphné/Dane