Five suspected cash-in-transit robbers from Gauteng were fatally wounded in a shoot-out with police after allegedly planning another heist in in KwaZulu-Natal. The shoot-out by the police took place on Monday at Ridgeview near Chesterville, Durban, yesterday afternoon. “Police were conducting an intelligence-led operation after gathering information that the suspects were planning to commit yet another cash-in-transit robbery in the vicinity in the iLembe District in the northern parts of KZN. Police visibility in the area disrupted the suspects’ mission, and intelligence located them in Ridgeview,” explains provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Berea Mail reports that, according to Netshiunda, police identified the suspects’ vehicle, and as they approached, the suspects opened fire on police, leading to a shoot-out. “During the shoot-out, all five suspects were shot and fatally wounded. Four firearms were found in the possession of the suspects.”
The suspects were reportedly from Gauteng, and one of them is believed to be a kingpin behind several cash-in-transit robberies across the country. The police operation continues in search of other suspects.
The police are well-trained to combat criminals now. But the shoot out with these robbers raises questions concerning the control law enforcement have in enforcing the law. Certainly, the discipline and training the police and other forms of domestic security such as the Hawks have in enforcing the law is appropriate for combatting those outside the law. However, it is necessary to understand what makes a criminal think they can succeed in carrying out such a heist. What could make them risk their lives to steal money that is not theirs? How do they expect to get away with it?
Meanwhile in Durban North on Tuesday there was a small plane crash near Virginia Airport in the morning. Despite the crash’s impact, the two passengers survived and were transported to the nearest medical facility. They were treated for their injuries. An investigation has been opened to determine the accident’s cause.
The scene was quickly taken over by the South African Police Services Department to conduct an official investigation. “The scene was called off by SAPS so that the necessary authorities could investigate the cause of this incident,” Jamieson confirmed. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and other relevant bodies are expected to lead the investigation. This accident adds to a growing list of small plane accidents in South Africa, which is raising concerns over aviation safety. In a media briefing, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga expressed concern over the recent increase in small plane crashes in South Africa:
“As we head towards closing off this 2023/24 financial year, we have recorded 97 accidents to date. While we are projecting these numbers to marginally be lower than the previous reporting period, the number of fatal accidents has increased to thirteen (13), which is four (4) more than data from the 2022/23 financial year.” More details on the Durban North crash will be released as the investigation unfolds.
The plane crash investigation is now underway. The police have allowed SACAA to investigate the scene thoroughly under their (the police’s) supervision. It was a fortunate relief that the plane crash did not result in serious tragedy such as deaths. But incidents such as these need to be prevented. If something was wrong with the engine parts then it certainly needs to be looked into. Death can strike anywhere at any time and no one can be prepared for it. The department of Transport and local authorities need to monitor these forms of developments. Safety in engineering should always have its role.
The news may still be unfolding but the truth about the state of the plane will be revealed. The risk of a crash could have cost the lives of those on board. The passengers and their pilot survived by the skin of their teeth. Another matter is that as South Africa advances in technology along the lines of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (FIR) the question will be raised as to what role or roles Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play in aviation and possibly crime prevention and combatting.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
