A Northern Cape police operation foiled an armed robbery that had targeted a truck believed to be transporting diamond-bearing gravel, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects.
A MULTI-disciplinary police operation foiled an armed robbery that had targeted a truck believed to be transporting diamond-bearing gravel, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana said the suspects were arrested on November 17 near Koopmansfontein
“According to the information, the suspects planned to stop the truck near Koopmansfontein at gunpoint and off-load the diamond-bearing gravel onto their bakkies,” said Tawana.
He said that the 10 suspects, who are between the ages of 35 and 55, were apprehended in the veld near the road.
“They were found in possession of two 9mm pistols, one hunting rifle, bolt cutters and three iron rows of stidges,” said Tawana.
“The suspects were also found in possession of two vehicles, one of which was reported stolen. The two bakkies, a Toyota Hilux and a Ford Ranger, were seized as they were utilised in the alleged commission of a crime.”
Tawana added that the men were expected to appear in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court on November 18 on a charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition and possession of a stolen vehicle.
The operation was led by members of the Northern Cape Provincial Organised Crime, Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit, Frances Baard Detective Task Team, Kimberley Tactical Response Team, Hartswater Crime Intelligence and the Provincial Tracking team.
