Armed gang stages daylight airport heist in South Africa

Six suspects disarmed guards at Tarentaal Airport and stole gold and copper parcels weighing approximately 21kg, police have said

Police in South Africa’s Limpopo province have launched a manhunt for six armed suspects after a robbery involving precious metals at Tarentaal Airport in Mopani District.

Tarentaal Airport is a privately operated airstrip located near Letsitele and is commonly used for chartered flights, agricultural operations and the transport of high-value cargo, including mining-related consignments.

According to the South African Police Service, the robbery took place on Friday at about 09:30 when a 26-year-old man from Gauteng was on duty collecting gold and copper parcels from security company officers.

The man was allegedly accosted by six suspects wearing balaclavas while proceeding towards a truck and was robbed of gold and copper parcels weighing approximately 21.276kg.

During the robbery, two security officers were disarmed of their service firearms, which were later recovered after the suspects dropped them while fleeing the scene. Police also confiscated live rifle ammunition believed to be linked to the suspects.

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The suspects fled the scene in a grey Ford Bantam bakkie and a white Hyundai Getz, and their identities remain unknown.

Senior SAPS management, including the Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Mary Mashila, the District Detectives Commander, and the Station Commander, attended the scene, supported by a multidisciplinary task team comprising Provincial and District Task Teams, as well as the Local Crime Record Centre (LCRC).

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Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said an extensive manhunt had been launched and warned that the suspects were considered armed and dangerous.

He appealed to community members to assist the police with any information that may lead to the apprehension of the suspects.

”Members of the public with information that may assist the investigation are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, visit the nearest police station, or use the My SAPS App. Information may be provided anonymously.”

A case of business robbery has been opened and will be investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks.

First published by IOL