Two Suspects Fatally Wounded As Police Foil Suspected CIT Robbery Near Brits
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Two suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers have been fatally wounded during a shootout with police after an intelligence-driven operation disrupted a suspected robbery in Swartdam, near Brits, in the North West.
The incident unfolded at approximately 21:50 on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, when members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team (TRT) acted on intelligence about a possible cash-in-transit robbery being planned in the Bojanala area.
Police proceeded to the Swartdam area, in Moeka Vuma, near Brits, where they reportedly identified individuals matching the descriptions provided through the intelligence information.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers upon their arrival, prompting members to return fire.
A shootout followed, during which two suspects were fatally wounded at the scene.
A third suspect sustained injuries and reportedly fled into nearby bushes following the exchange of gunfire. He was subsequently located during daylight hours and taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, where he remains under police guard.
Firearms And Explosives Recovered
During the operation, police recovered two firearms, identified as an AK-47 assault rifle and a DM4 rifle.
Explosives were also discovered inside a Toyota double-cab bakkie reportedly used by the suspects in connection with the planned robbery.
The discovery of the firearms and explosives forms part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected criminal operation.
The operation involved Tactical Response Team members deployed from Brits, Klerksdorp, Rustenburg and Mahikeng, with officers from the different areas participating in the intelligence-driven operation.
IPID Activated Following Fatal Shooting
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was activated following the shooting.
IPID’s involvement is part of the oversight process concerning deaths resulting from police action.
North West Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams commended the Tactical Response Team members for their response and operational vigilance, saying their actions had resulted in the suspected cash-in-transit robbery being foiled.
Police have reiterated their commitment to disrupting organised criminal activities and preventing serious and violent crimes in the province.
The injured suspect remains under police guard in hospital, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
OTHER NEWS
34-YEAR-OLD MAN BEATEN BY COMMUNITY AFTER ALLEGEDLY STEALING UNDERWEAR FROM WASHING LINE IN KZN
A 34-year-old man sustained injuries after he was allegedly caught stealing a pair of underwear from a washing line at a residential property in Redcliffe, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday afternoon, 4 November 2026.
The incident reportedly led to a community assault after the homeowner and her family members confronted the suspect in their backyard.
According to the complainant, she was inside the house with several family members, including minor children, when she went outside and noticed an unfamiliar man walking around in the backyard.
The man allegedly approached the washing line and removed a pair of underwear before the woman raised the alarm by screaming for assistance.
Her husband and other family members reportedly rushed outside and pursued the suspect, eventually managing to apprehend him.
The woman further alleged that the same individual had repeatedly entered their property and stolen items over an extended period.
She also claimed that components had previously been removed from an old vehicle parked outside the residence. According to her account, previous attempts to catch the suspect had been unsuccessful because he would flee whenever he was spotted.
Following his apprehension, community members allegedly restrained the man’s legs with a chain before assaulting him.
Reaction officers were contacted and responded to the scene, where they made contact with the complainant and established the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The 34-year-old man sustained visible injuries to his head and legs.
It is not clear whether the suspect was subsequently handed over to police or whether a criminal case was opened in connection with the alleged theft.
The incident also highlights the dangers of community members taking the law into their own hands. Suspected offenders should be handed over to law enforcement authorities rather than subjected to mob violence.
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- 34-YEAR-OLD MAN BEATEN BY COMMUNITY AFTER ALLEGEDLY STEALING UNDERWEAR FROM WASHING LINE IN KZN
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