Khayelitsha CPF shocked by court decision to release men linked to foiled cash-in-transit heist
On Monday, a police intelligence-driven operation in Town Two led to the arrest of five men with high-calibre rifles and explosives.
Khayelitsha Magistrates Court. Picture: Ntuthuzelo Nene/EWN
CAPE TOWN - The Khayelitsha community policing forum (CPF) said it's shocked by the court's decision to release the men linked to the planning of a cash-in-transit heist in the township earlier this week.
On Monday, a police intelligence-driven operation in Town Two led to the arrest of five men with high-calibre rifles and explosives.
Eight others were killed in a shootout with the police.
Now all the accused are free after their case was struck from the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court roll on Thursday.
The court said the men were brought before it more than 48 hours after their arrest.
The law requires a suspect to appear in court within 48 hours after being arrested.
Khayelitsha CPF chairperson Funeka Soldaat said the court's decision caught them by surprise.
"It's really unbelievable. I think I just have to follow up with SAPS [South African Police Service] to find out what is going on."
The police said they're keeping a sharp eye on the men, as they may be linked to other cash-in-transit heists in the province recently.