4 October 2001
In response to media queries regarding the arrest of two South Africans and three Austrians in London, UK, the department of Foreign Affairs wishes to put the following on record:
The South African High Commission in London was informed on Friday 28 September by the British police of the arrest of two South Africans and three Austrians with permanent South African residence status, four males and a female on allegations of involvement in a bank robbery near Lucerne in Switzerland on Thursday 27 September.
Two suspects had fled the scene on a motorcycle, however, an eyewitness had also noticed a Landrover and Caravan with Gauteng registration numbers near the scene of the crime. Accordingly, Swiss police including border control officers were put on high alert for the suspects.
On Friday 28 September, the landrover and caravan arrived at Port Dover in the UK from France. The UK Customs authorities immediately subjected the occupants and the vehicles to a search. An amount of SF 400 000 (an equivalent of R2million), Krugerrands, two firearms, a replica firearm, plastic handcuffs, balaclavas and gloves were found. In addition two adult males were found hidden in the bulkhead behind the refrigerator.
The five suspects were immediately arrested. The three Austrians were travelling on temporary South African passports. Currently the matter is in the hands of the UK Extradition Squad following an application from the Swiss authorities for their extradition to Switzerland to face charges of robbery.
Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs