cash-in-transit benoni

The scene in Rosettenville after the shootout between suspects and police.
Photo: Facebook/Yusuf Abramjee

Rosettenville: 20 Zimbabweans amongst suspects in foiled CIT robbery

A policeman who was injured during the high speed chase and shootout in Rosettenville yesterday has sadly succumbed to his wounds.

cash-in-transit benoni

The scene in Rosettenville after the shootout between suspects and police.
Photo: Facebook/Yusuf Abramjee

Police Minister, Bheki Cele has confirmed that of the 25 suspects arrested on Monday during a shootout with police in Rosettenville,  20 were from KwaBulawayo in Zimbabwe. 

The suspects were involved in a high speed chase and shootout that saw 10 of the suspect’s bodies littered on the street. 

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE ROSETTENVILLE SHOOTING

A gang of about 25 gunmen from KwaZulu-Natal, Zimbabwe and Botswana were intercepted by police while planning a cash-in-transit heist in Johannesburg on Monday afternoon. Alongside the four South African suspects who were arrested at the scene, a further four Zimbabweans and a Botswanan were also cuffed.

One of the arrested from Botswana is believed to be a wanted man, who is known to be the mastermind behind several CIT robberies for years.

Police Minister Bheki Cele, who went to the scene shortly after the shooting unfolded, said police are on the hunt for the remaining suspects. He said the majority of firearms recovered were AK-47s with double magazines and R4s.

Cele also added that the AK-47s, R4s and explosives found on the scene will be taken for forensic ballistics to confirm whether or not they belong to the SAPS or SANDF.

The authorities started recovering stolen items – and that included a fleet of ‘high-performance vehicles’ at one of the suspects’ hideouts. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela confirmed that all the vehicles were hijacked.

A police officer who was shot by the suspects and hospitalised has succumbed to his injuries.

SOUTH AFRICANS PROTESTS AGAINST FOREIGN NATIONALS

South Africans have been calling on government to “deal” with the issue of undocumented foreign nationals. 

Some have embarked on various campaigns to “clean” parts of major cities like Johannesburg. 

On Saturday, 19 February, Operation Dudula saw protestors heading once again to Hillbrow in a bid to draw support for its #PutSouthAfricansFirst cause. 

The group is denouncing undocumented foreign nationals absorbing job oppurtunities in South Africans. With unemployment remaining high in the country, the controversial movement feels locals should be the first option for any vacancies.

The group highlighted concerns over undocumented foreign traders and drug dealers in the region. The movement aims to remove these foreigners from the streets.