Welkom – The police have arrested two suspects and recovered huge sums of cash less than three hours after a violent cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery in Welkom.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes, police said the incident occurred at around 12:40 on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at Cash and Carry in Welkom, when security officers were collecting money from the store on Saturday.
The security guards were allegedly accosted by six armed suspects who forced them to lie down before ordering them to open the cash van.
The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money, three firearms belonging to the security officers, bulletproof vests, and a hand radio.
Following the incident, Free State Crime Intelligence gathered information on the suspects’ whereabouts and mobilised members of the Tactical Response Team and the Public Order Policing unit.
Police operationalised the information and traced the suspects to a house in Welkom at around 15:00.
Upon arrival, a shootout ensued between the police and the suspects.
Some of the suspects managed to flee the scene, while two suspects, who were wanted for similar cash-in-transit heists, were arrested.
During the operation, police recovered an undisclosed amount of stolen money as well as other items linked to the robbery.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant General Solomon Lesia, applauded the multidisciplinary team led by Crime Intelligence for the successful arrest of two wanted cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery suspects and the recovery of stolen money.
Lieutenant General Lesia said: “These arrests demonstrate the importance of intelligence-led policing and coordinated operational responses.
“We commend all members involved for their bravery and commitment.
“Those suspects who managed to escape arrest are being pursued, and it is only a matter of time before they are brought to justice,” said Lieutenant General Lesia.
The two suspects are expected to appear before the court soon on charges relating to armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of suspected stolen property.
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