Tshwane – A dramatic shootout in Laudium, Tshwane, on Monday, 24 February 2025, resulted in the deaths of six suspected cash-in-transit robbers. The incident occurred just after 17:00, following a high-speed chase involving police and other law enforcement agencies. A seventh suspect, aged 22, was apprehended without injuries.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the details of the incident, stating that police recovered five unlicensed firearms and ammunition from the scene.
The operation was initiated after Crime Intelligence received information about the suspects, who were believed to be en route to commit a cash-in-transit robbery in Atteridgeville. This prompted the activation of a multi-agency team, including the SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team, SAPS Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, and Tracker Connect.
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Masondo, "The team spotted two vehicles driven by the suspects, a BMW X1 and Audi A4, following a cash-in-transit van. Realising that police were in the vicinity, the suspects abandoned their mission and sped off." This led to a pursuit by the law enforcement officers.
The chase culminated in Laudium, where the suspects were cornered. "As they were stopped at Laudium, the suspects fired shots at the law enforcement officers and a shootout ensued," Masondo explained. The exchange of gunfire resulted in the fatal wounding of six suspects, while one was arrested unharmed.
Police investigations revealed that one of the vehicles used by the suspects, an Audi A4, had been reported as hijacked in Cleveland, Johannesburg, in December 2024. "It was established that one of the cars driven by the suspects, an Audi A4, was reported hijacked in Cleveland, Joburg, in December 2024," said Masondo.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were part of a gang responsible for a recent cash-in-transit robbery in Atteridgeville, where four security guards were shot and injured. They are also suspected of involvement in other similar robberies across Gauteng and other provinces.
The arrested suspect is facing a range of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and attempted murder. "The suspects are facing charges that include conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of unlicenced firearms and ammunition, as well as attempted murder," said Masondo.
