Police in KwaZulu-Natal are searching for an unknown number of suspects following two brazen cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies on Monday, which occurred almost simultaneously in separate locations.
First Heist: Cottonlands Near Ndwedwe
The first robbery took place in a secluded area of Cottonlands, north of Durban, where about 15 heavily armed men ambushed a CIT vehicle. According to police reports, the assailants opened fire on the vehicle, forcing it to a stop before using explosives to blow it open and set it alight.
The robbers disarmed the security guards, stealing a rifle and a pistol before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
“The suspects fired at the vehicle until it came to a standstill, then overpowered the guards, took their firearms, and stole the money,” a police source said. The road was closed for hours as authorities processed the scene.
Second Heist: Pietermaritzburg
Around 9:00 AM, another CIT robbery unfolded in Pietermaritzburg. An unknown number of suspects targeted a cash van, making off with an undisclosed sum before escaping in multiple getaway vehicles.
A Growing Trend of Organized Crime
Authorities have labeled the incidents as “well-orchestrated” organized crime. “You hardly hear of a case where they bomb a cash van and find no money,” an official remarked.
Last year, South Africa recorded over 200 CIT heists, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for 27% of cases, followed by Gauteng (25%) and the Eastern Cape (21%).
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.
