KZN police hunt 10 suspects after Pietermaritzburg cash-in-transit heist

KZN police hunt 10 suspects after Pietermaritzburg cash-in-transit heist! KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt for at least 10 suspects following a brazen cash-in-transit (CIT) heist that took place in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.

KwaZulu-Natal police are searching for 10 suspects involved in a cash-in-transit heist that occurred in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.

The armoured vehicle transporting cash was violently attacked and bombed along Edendale Road, leaving one security guard injured and an undisclosed amount of money stolen.

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Details of the Heist

Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed the shocking attack, stating that the suspects ambushed the security guards before executing their carefully planned heist.

“It is reported that the suspects accosted a cash-in-transit vehicle, shot one security guard, and robbed them of their firearms before stealing an undisclosed amount of money,” Ngcobo said.

Pietermaritzburg cash-in-transit heist

Eyewitnesses reported that gunshots rang out, followed by a loud explosion as the attackers used explosives to blast open the armoured vehicle. The criminals then fled the scene with bags of cash.

Emergency Response and Injured Security Guard

KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service responded to the emergency, treating a security guard who had been shot during the violent attack.

“On arrival, paramedics rendered immediate medical attention to stabilize a patient who had sustained a gunshot wound,” said ambulance service spokesperson Craig Botha.

The injured security guard was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Authorities have not yet confirmed his condition.

Deadly Shootout with Police in Reservoir Hills

This latest CIT heist comes on the same day that three suspects linked to previous cash-in-transit robberies dating back to 2021 were killed in a shootout with police in the Reservoir Hills area.

The suspects were allegedly part of a notorious CIT heist syndicate that had been under police surveillance. According to reports, when confronted by law enforcement, the suspects opened fire, leading to a fierce gun battle that resulted in their deaths.

The police recovered firearms, ammunition, and explosives at the scene, reinforcing suspicions that the group was actively involved in planning more heists.

KwaZulu-Natal: A Hotspot for CIT Heists

KwaZulu-Natal has seen a significant rise in cash-in-transit robberies in recent months, making it one of the most dangerous provinces for security companies transporting money.

According to the latest police crime statistics, KwaZulu-Natal ranks as the province with the highest number of CIT heists reported in the past three months.

Security experts say CIT robberies have become more sophisticated and violent, with criminals using high-powered weapons, explosives, and well-coordinated ambushes to target security vehicles.

Police Efforts to Curb CIT Heists

In response to the growing CIT crime wave, police have intensified operations targeting syndicates involved in these heists.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside private security companies, has launched Operation Shanela, a nationwide initiative aimed at disrupting criminal networks responsible for cash-in-transit heists.

Law enforcement agencies have urged banks, security firms, and retailers to enhance their security protocols, as many CIT heists occur when money is being moved to or from high-risk locations such as shopping malls and ATMs.

Call for Public Assistance

KwaZulu-Natal police have called on the public to provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the 10 suspects involved in the Pietermaritzburg heist.

Authorities have assured residents that tip-offs can be given anonymously and that police are working tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report via the MySAPS app.

Conclusion

The latest CIT heist in Pietermaritzburg highlights the escalating crime wave targeting security vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal.

With criminals becoming more violent and well-organized, law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to crack down on syndicates and prevent further heists.

For now, police continue their hunt for the 10 armed suspects while also intensifying efforts to dismantle CIT crime networks plaguing the province.