By Mapaballo Borotho
- Police in the Free State recovered stolen money linked to a cash-in-transit heist that took place in Welkom.
- Two suspected CIT robbers were arrested after police traced them to a house where a shootout allegedly broke out.
- Authorities also recovered items connected to the robbery, including stolen cash and security equipment.
Members of the South African Police Service have recovered money stolen during a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Welkom, Free State.
The robbery took place at a Cash and Carry store in Welkom on Saturday, 23 May 2026, while security officers were collecting money from the premises.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the security guards were allegedly confronted by six armed suspects.
“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,” said Mathe.
Following investigations, police traced the suspects to a house in Welkom, where a shootout allegedly ensued.
Some of the suspects managed to flee the scene, while two known CIT armed robbery suspects were arrested.
During the operation, police recovered an undisclosed amount of stolen cash as well as several items believed to be linked to the robbery.
The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of suspected stolen property.
READ NEXT: Police launch manhunt after 13-year-old girl shot in Thokoza CIT heist
The post Police recover stolen CIT heist money after shootout in Welkom appeared first on KAYA 959.