On Monday evening in Pretoria, two cash-in-transit robberies unfolded within a 20-minute timeframe. According to Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the national police spokesperson, the initial incident took place on the N4 highway at approximately 17:20.
Mathe explained, "A group of suspects, traveling in a BMW E90, forcefully collided with a van that was traveling between Simon Vermooten Road and the Rossouw Street off-ramp on the N4, causing the van to overturn."
"The suspects proceeded to plant explosives on the cash van, but the security guard managed to exit before the detonation," added Mathe.
She said the robbers took an undisclosed amount of money and fled in a white BMW and a white Toyota Hilux.
The BMW was later found in Equestria.
Shortly after, at 17:45, another cash van traveling on the R80 from Soshanguve fell victim to a robbery.
According to Mathe, "Individuals in a black Ford Ranger began firing at the cash van, forcing it to stop. Subsequently, the van was targeted with explosives, and an undisclosed sum of money was seized."
"The suspects departed the scene in a silver Hyundai," Mathe disclosed.
She further conveyed that investigators were diligently working to identify the culprits involved in both incidents.
"Anyone with relevant information is urged to step forward and contact the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. Callers have the option to remain anonymous," Mathe concluded.