A suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robber was fatally shot in a dramatic exchange of gunfire with police in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. The deadly encounter unfolded after a high-speed chase, leaving law enforcement on high alert as they pursue the remaining suspects.
According to police reports, a group of armed criminals ambushed a cash-in-transit vehicle on Thursday morning along the M4 highway, targeting security guards transporting a substantial amount of money. The suspects, traveling in a convoy of high-performance vehicles, used explosives to breach the armored truck, causing an explosion that sent shockwaves through the area.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as gunmen fired indiscriminately, forcing motorists to seek cover. It was terrifying. We heard a loud explosion, and then gunshots rang out. The criminals were heavily armed, and they didn’t hesitate to shoot, said a bystander who witnessed the heist.
Shortly after the robbery, police and private security companies launched a coordinated response, tracking the suspects’ movements. A high-speed chase ensued through Umhlanga as the criminals attempted to evade capture. The chase came to a dramatic end when one of the getaway vehicles crashed near Lagoon Drive. Armed suspects opened fire on police officers, leading to a fierce shootout. In the exchange, one suspect was fatally wounded, while others managed to flee into a nearby residential area.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident, stating: A suspect was fatally shot in a gun battle with law enforcement officers. Several other suspects escaped and are currently being pursued. The police are following leads to ensure their swift arrest.
Authorities have launched a large-scale manhunt to track down the remaining suspects, believed to be hiding in the Umhlanga area. Tactical response teams, K9 units, and air support have been deployed to assist in the search. Netshiunda urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, warning that the suspects are considered armed and dangerous. We are appealing to anyone with information on the whereabouts of these criminals to come forward. Our priority is to bring them to justice and recover the stolen cash, he added.
The incident highlights the rising trend of cash-in-transit heists in South Africa, where criminal syndicates target armored vehicles using military-style tactics. According to crime statistics, cash-in-transit robberies have increased significantly in recent months, with security companies and law enforcement agencies battling to curb the growing threat. Criminals often use explosives, automatic rifles, and sophisticated getaway plans to execute these heists with precision.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has intensified efforts to dismantle cash-in-transit syndicates, with several specialized task forces dedicated to tackling such crimes. The government has also urged security companies to enhance their operational protocols to protect cash deliveries.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele recently vowed to crack down on violent robberies, emphasizing that law enforcement will not tolerate attacks on security personnel and police officers. We will hunt down these criminals and ensure they face the full might of the law. No one should live in fear because of these violent syndicates, Cele stated.
With one suspect dead and several on the run, police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities believe the gang may be linked to a larger network of cash-in-transit criminals operating across the country.
