Stolen CIT Money Recovered as Police Arrest Two Suspects in Welkom

Police in the Free State have arrested two alleged cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery suspects and recovered part of the stolen money following a dramatic operation in Welkom.

The arrests came just hours after a violent robbery at a local Cash and Carry store on Saturday, 23 May 2026. According to reports, security guards were busy collecting cash when six heavily armed suspects allegedly ambushed them.

The suspects reportedly ordered the guards to lie on the ground before forcing them to open the cash van. During the robbery, the gang allegedly stole an undisclosed amount of money, three security firearms, bulletproof vests, and a hand radio before fleeing the scene.

The incident immediately triggered a major police response. Members of the Free State Crime Intelligence unit, together with the Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Public Order Policing (POP), launched an urgent investigation to track down the suspects.

Police later traced the suspects to a house in Welkom. However, when officers approached the property, a shootout allegedly erupted between police and the suspects. The exchange of gunfire created a tense and dangerous situation as officers attempted to prevent the suspects from escaping.

While some suspects reportedly managed to flee the scene, police succeeded in arresting two alleged robbers during the operation. Authorities also recovered part of the stolen cash as well as several items believed to be linked to the robbery.

The recovered evidence is expected to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation as police work to identify and locate the remaining suspects who are still on the run.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. They are likely to face several serious charges, including armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of suspected stolen property.

Cash-in-transit robberies continue to be one of the most dangerous and violent crimes in South Africa. These incidents often involve heavily armed criminal syndicates who target security companies transporting large sums of money. Many of these robberies place innocent lives at risk, including security guards, police officers, motorists, and bystanders.

Law enforcement agencies across the country have intensified efforts to crack down on CIT robbery syndicates through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated tactical responses. Authorities have also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities linked to armed gangs and illegal firearms.

The latest arrests in Welkom have been welcomed by residents who hope police will successfully capture the remaining suspects and recover the rest of the stolen money.

Investigations are continuing.