Man robbed Fidelity Security crew & got away with an undisclosed amount of money! Police in Limpopo have initiated an extensive manhunt for a group of armed criminals who carried out a brazen robbery targeting Fidelity Security guards at the Dzumeri Machayisenga complex in Giyani.
According to authorities, the robbery took place on Monday when two security officials were tasked with loading cash into ATMs at the shopping complex. The Fidelity Security crew arrived at the location accompanied by a rifleman for protection. However, the situation quickly turned into a life-threatening ordeal when they were ambushed by a group of armed assailants.
How the Robbery Unfolded
Limpopo spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Captain Matimba Mmuroa, detailed the chilling sequence of events.
“As the security crew exited their armored vehicle to carry out their duties, a gunman suddenly confronted the rifleman, aiming a firearm directly at him,” said Mmuroa. “The suspect ordered the security officer to lie face down on the ground before seizing control of a trolley containing two sealed cash bags with an undisclosed amount of money.”
Following this, the suspect did not stop at stealing the cash. He proceeded towards the vehicle’s driver, where he forcefully took the officer’s service pistol along with ammunition.
Once the robbery was complete, the armed criminal quickly fled the scene. He made his escape in a white Nissan NP200, which was waiting nearby. The exact number of suspects involved in the crime remains unknown, but police believe the operation was carried out by a well-coordinated group.
Police Investigation Underway
Law enforcement agencies have mobilized significant resources to track down the perpetrators. Officials from the Phalaborwa Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Giyani detectives, Giyani crime intelligence, and the Giyani local criminal record center were all deployed to the crime scene immediately after the incident.
Forensic experts combed the scene, collecting crucial evidence. Authorities recovered several spent cartridges, confirming that the suspects were armed and prepared to use deadly force if necessary. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the robbery.
Eyewitnesses have provided investigators with critical information. Several people who were at the complex during the attack reported seeing three men dressed in reflector jackets, possibly as a disguise to blend in with security personnel.
“The case of armed robbery has been officially opened for investigation,” added Mmuroa. “The Hawks’ National Priority Violent Crime (NPVC) unit has taken over the matter to ensure a swift response.”
Authorities are urging anyone who may have information that could lead to the suspects’ arrest to come forward. Individuals can report tips anonymously by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111, using the My SAPS App, or visiting their nearest police station.
Hawks Deploy a Special Task Team
In response to the robbery, the acting provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Brigadier Desmond Alexander, has activated a dedicated team of detectives to track down the culprits.
“Although our NPVC tracking team is already on the ground pursuing leads, we are appealing to the public for assistance,” said Alexander. “We urge community members to provide any valuable information that could help lead to the arrest and prosecution of these dangerous criminals.”
This incident highlights the continued risk faced by security officers in the cash-in-transit (CIT) industry and raises concerns about public safety at crime scenes.
Similar Heist in KwaZulu-Natal Sparks Concerns
Meanwhile, in a separate case, another violent CIT robbery took place earlier this week in KwaZulu-Natal. On Tuesday, IOL reported that the Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa (Citasa) had raised concerns regarding the safety of innocent bystanders at crime scenes following a robbery on the N2 southbound in Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that provincial police were searching for multiple suspects involved in the attack.
According to reports, the criminals ambushed a cash-in-transit vehicle, physically assaulting two security guards before robbing them of their firearms and making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
As the suspects fled the scene, they fired multiple gunshots, causing collateral damage. Three innocent bystanders were hit by stray bullets, sustaining injuries. The situation worsened when the suspects attempted to hijack a minibus taxi on Silverglen Drive, firing at civilians in the process.
“A woman in the taxi was fatally shot, while another woman who was walking along the road was also shot and injured,” said Netshiunda.
During their escape, the suspects also shot a private security guard who tried to chase them.
Escalating CIT Robberies Raise Alarm
These violent attacks have sparked concerns about the rising trend of CIT robberies in South Africa. The frequency and severity of these crimes continue to put security personnel, law enforcement, and civilians at significant risk.
Authorities are now working around the clock to identify and apprehend those responsible for these brazen acts of violence. Law enforcement agencies urge communities to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
For now, the search for the Giyani robbers continues, with police determined to bring them to justice.
