Selby Makgotho

Selby Makgotho

After a tip-off to the crime intelligence services in Pretoria that there would be a cash-in-transit heist on the road between Zebediela and Polokwane, police lay in wait for the attackers.

As the van transporting the money made its way to Polokwane from Zebediela at about midday on Monday, it drove into a hail of bullets. The driver of the van made a U-turn and drove back towards Zebediela. He was followed by the would-be robbers - who were intercepted by the police.

Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba said: "There was an exchange of fire. The robbers left the tarred road and drove on the gravel road linking Zebediela and Burgersfort."

A constable, Neo Maretela, 32, who was chasing the robbers, lost control of her car and was killed instantly. A police captain who gave chase was shot in the right hand.

Seven men have been arrested and police are looking for another six believed to have been involved in the foiled heist.

The seven will appear in court soon.