Three more suspects were arrested on Friday, November 9, after information received by the Louis Trichardt police service linked them to the daring and bloody cash-in-transit heist on the N1 north on October 8.

A large amount of money was stolen when a gang of armed men travelling in a bakkie forced a security vehicle from Coin Security to a standstill on the N1, opening fire on the guards with, amongst others, a military-issue LMG (light machine gun). One of the security guards was seriously injured in the attack.

Police were quick to respond to the attack and within 48 hours eight suspects were in police custody. Seven of these, Mishack Mbada, (45), Betuel Ravele (22), Godfrey Mthembu (33), Thomas Ligavha (40), Thomas Thovhakale (50), Thulani Mkosi and Gerson Maphari (30), were later charged with armed robbery and attempted murder. The eighth suspect, a woman, was released.

The three suspects arrested on Friday were two men and a woman, all aged 28. They cannot be named at this stage as they are yet to appear in court. The court date for a bail application was set for Thursday, November 15.

The daring cash-in-transit heist made headlines earlier when it was confirmed that four of the suspects are serving members of the South African National Defence Force.