Police in the Northern Cape have foiled a robbery of a truck transporting diamond ore and arrested 10 suspects on Thursday 17 November.
A multi-disciplinary team acted on information received and pounced on the suspects near Koopmansfontein.
According to the information, the suspects planned to stop the truck at gunpoint near Koopmansfontein in the Northern Cape and off-load the diamond-bearing gravel onto their bakkies.
Police spokesperson, Capt. Olebogeng Tawana said the tactical multi-disciplinary team operationalised intelligence subsequent to the planned robbery.
The suspects, aged 35 to 55 years, were apprehended in the veld near the road and were found in possession of two 9 mm pistols, one hunting rifle, bold-cutters and three iron rows of stidges.
They were also found in possession of two vehicles, one of which was reported as stolen.
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The suspects are expected to appear in the Barkley West Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 18 November, on a charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, as well as possession of a stolen vehicle.
The two bakkies, a Toyota Hilux and a Ford Ranger, were seized as it was utilised in the commission of a planned crime.
This operation was led by members of the Northern Cape organised crime, the provincial serious and violent crime unit, Frances Baard detective task team, Kimberley tactical response team, Hartswater crime intelligence and the provincial tracking team.
