Police Foil Suspected CIT Robbery Gang in Daveyton, Seize Arsenal and Hijacked BMW X5

JOHANNESBURG  — A joint operation by Gauteng police and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) has disrupted a suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery syndicate after officers recovered seven rifles, a pistol, reflector jackets and a hijacked BMW X5 during a raid on a suspected safe house in Daveyton.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday evening, followed weeks of intelligence gathering by Gauteng police, detectives and EMPD officers investigating a group believed to be linked to a series of serious and violent crimes across the province.

Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said officers moved in on the property after receiving credible intelligence about the suspects’ activities. During the search, police recovered the cache of firearms, reflector jackets commonly associated with CIT robberies, and the stolen BMW X5, which investigators believe may have been intended for use in an upcoming heist.

Although several suspects escaped before police arrived, authorities immediately launched an overnight manhunt to locate and arrest those still on the run.

Dimpane said the operation demonstrated the value of intelligence-led policing and the close cooperation between the various law enforcement agencies.

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“This intelligence-driven operation is a clear indication that the SAPS remains resolute in its mission to combat cash-in-transit robberies and other serious and violent crimes,” she said.

“We have made significant inroads in dismantling CIT syndicates, and we will continue to deal decisively with those who terrorise our communities and endanger the lives of innocent citizens.”

She also warned criminal syndicates that police were intensifying efforts to dismantle organised CIT robbery networks operating across Gauteng.

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“Cash-in-transit robberies are highly organised and violent crimes that require a coordinated response from law enforcement. Our intelligence capabilities continue to improve, and we are closing in on those responsible. We will hunt them down, arrest them and ensure they face the full might of the law.”

Cash-in-transit robberies remain a major security challenge in Gauteng, with heavily armed gangs frequently targeting security vehicles and placing both security personnel and members of the public at risk.

Police said the recovery of multiple rifles, reflector jackets and the hijacked vehicle suggests the suspects may have been preparing for a planned robbery.

Investigations are continuing, and SAPS expects further arrests as the manhunt for the outstanding suspects gathers pace.