ONE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN THE N8 CASH IN TRANSIT HEIST

Photo: Crime Scene Logo

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

A multi-disciplinary police operation comprising the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Visible Policing, Explosives Unit, and the Local Criminal Record Center (LCRC) has arrested one male suspect in connection with the cash-in-transit robbery which occurred on the N8 near Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 2.

The suspect made a brief appearance in the Botshabelo Magistrates Court today.

Investigations continue.

It is alleged that a cash delivery van was travelling on the N8 when a group of armed suspects attacked.

They took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene.

Later on the same day, a marked police vehicle was shot at by suspects believed to be part of the robbery.

No one was injured.

The multi-disciplinary team was immediately assembled to trace the suspects. Intelligence led the team to a house in Section H Botshabelo where two vehicles fitting the description of those used in the robbery were found.

One of the vehicles was reported stolen in Bloemfontein in May 2025.

A search of the house and vehicles led to the discovery of several assault rifles, a pistol, rounds of ammunition, bullet resistant vests, clothing items, and an unknown concoction inside a bottle. Further investigation led the team to the arrested suspect.

A vehicle he was driving was also recovered.

Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba is disturbed by what appears to be a repeat of what happened on the same road earlier this year.

"Relevant stakeholders must and will come together to device plans to avoid a repeat of such incidents in future", said General Bokaba.