Minister of Police, MP, Fikile Mbalula, congratulates the Hawks and IPID in a takedown operations of cash in transit syndicate
The Minister of Police, Minister Fikile Mbalula congratulated the DPCI (Hawks) in Gauteng, working together with IPID in a joint operation. On Tuesday, the 06 of February 2018, members of DPCI Gauteng in a joint operation with IPID conducted a takedown operation that involved a syndicate which was responsible for illegally selling commercial explosives to a crime syndicate that was involved in CASH-IN-TRANSIT attacks, among many crimes.
“We are squeezing the space for criminals, the Elite unit the HAWKS together with IPID are hard at work in rooting out crime and corruption in our society. Criminals who are involved in Cash in Transit not only do they hurt the economy but they target the Social grant money, meant for the children and vulnerable citizens of our country.” Mbalula said.
This operation, follows last week’s operation conducted in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal where 8 men and a woman were arrested at their homes for Value added tax (VAT) fraud scam, with a potential loss of more than R90million in our fiscals.
During these investigations ten (10) suspects were identified and arrested, including three (3) police officers who were arrested by IPID for escorting suspects. All ten (10) targets were arrested in the Thabong, Odendalsrust, Viginia and Teunissen areas of the Free State.
“I am happy that the rotten cops who betray our budge are being arrested. As a nation we must refuse to leave side by side with criminals, we must work together for the prosperity of our nation.” Mbalula added.
The second phase of the investigation will deal with the origin of explosives and possible linkage to any crime related to the use of explosives.
“I want to congratulate the HAWKS and IPID on a job well done. They are the guardian of our nation, they keep us safe and I thank them for that.” Mbalula concluded.
Media Enquiries: Mr Vuyo Mhaga -0766365193 (Spokesperson for Police Ministry)
