Johannesburg – Police have arrested 11 suspects with three unlicensed firearms and a truck with false registration plates and ammunition after the team received a tip-off about an armed robbery that would be taking place at OR Tambo International Airport's cargo section on Friday evening.
The information received was operationalised, and the team observed the identified truck with false registration plates and branding.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the suspects were observed as their 8-ton truck entered Swissport.
"A total of 11 suspects were arrested last night, December 2, 2022, following a joint intelligence-driven operation by the DPCI's Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS) with the assistance of Special Task Force Ekurhuleni District Operational Task Team, K9 Law Enforcement, and Bad Boy Security."
"The suspects were observed as their 8-ton truck entered Swissport. The team tactically contained the truck, and 11 suspects who were concealed behind empty cardboard boxes were arrested. Three unlicensed firearms, a truck with false registration plates, ammunition, and cellphones were seized for further investigation," said Mogale.
Airports Company SA (Acsa) also confirmed the robbery, adding that there were no injuries.
"Acsa can confirm that an attempted robbery took place at the cargo precinct of OR Tambo International on Friday. A vehicle containing 11 suspects gained access through the main gate; security procedures were activated and followed, which led to the apprehension of all suspects," ACSA said.
The airport management commanded the swift response and collaboration of the SAPS in the apprehension of the suspects.
The Star