The duo faces charges relating to armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of suspected stolen property. They were arrested on Saturday (23/5) after police recovered an undisclosed amount of money from them.

The robbery occurred at the Cash and Carry store in 12th Street, Voorspoed, in Welkom, when security officers were collecting money from the store on Saturday, around midday.

The security guards were allegedly approached by six armed suspects who forced them to lie down before ordering them to open the cash van. The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, three firearms belonging to the security officers, bulletproof vests, and a hand radio.

“Police operationalised the information and traced the suspects to a house in Welkom at around 15:00,” said Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane.

“Upon arrival, a shootout ensued between the police and the suspects. Some of the suspects managed to flee the scene, while two known CIT armed robbery suspects were arrested.

“During the operation, police recovered an undisclosed amount of stolen money as well as other items linked to the robbery.”

The provincial commissioner of the Free State, Lt. Gen. Solomon Lesia, commended the multidisciplinary team for their swift response and intelligence-driven operation. “These arrests demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led policing and coordinated operational responses.

“We commend all members involved for their bravery and commitment. Those suspects who managed to escape arrest are being pursued, and it is only a matter of time before they are brought to justice,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Hawks are investigating a cash-in-transit robbery and a case of attempted murder following an incident on the N8 between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.

A security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the robbery on Saturday, 16 May, and was transported to the hospital. The incident resulted in the full closure of the N8 in both directions near Botshabelo as emergency services responded to the situation.

Three security guards travelling in an armoured cash delivery vehicle, accompanied by two guards in an escort vehicle, were travelling along the N8 near the Botshabelo-West T-junction when their armoured vehicle was allegedly rammed into by a BMW driver, forcing it to stop.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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