JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (AFP) — Four suspects including a police officer have been arrested over the spectacular theft last week of a reported US$1.8 million in cash at Johannesburg’s airport, South Africa’s police chief said Tuesday.
On March 7, heavily armed men stole a pallet of cash on the tarmac that was to be put on board a cargo plane at Oliver Tambo International Airport.
Police did not reveal the amount stolen, consisting of small bills of foreign currencies, but local media estimated it at 24 million rand (1.7 million euros).
The robbers managed to enter the airport’s loading area dressed in police uniforms and in a vehicle with false police plates.
Police Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane announced the arrests during a televised press conference.
Two suspects have been charged while the other two are being interrogated, he said, adding: “It is highly regrettable that one of our own members is among those two”.
Police are still looking for the money.