Soshanguve – A cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, descended into a violent confrontation on Wednesday, leaving several bystanders injured and multiple suspects dead following a dramatic shootout with police. The public has been urged to avoid the area as investigations continue.
The incident unfolded at approximately 16:50 on the corner of M43 and Molefe Makinta Street, according to Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network. "A CIT robbery was reported, resulting in multiple bystanders being shot. Security personnel are pursuing the suspects," Visser stated, advising the public to steer clear of the area as emergency services attended the scene. He added that paramedics were treating and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi later confirmed the details of the brazen attack. "It is alleged that a cash in transit van was blocked on the road, and a number of armed suspects came out, overpowering the crew, and bombed the cash van," Nevhuhulwi said.
As the suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money, members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) swiftly responded, initiating a high-speed chase. The armed gang opened fire on the TRT officers, who retaliated, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
"During the shootout, three of the suspects were killed, and eight injured suspects were arrested," Nevhuhulwi confirmed. Tragically, a male bystander was caught in the crossfire and killed. Two TRT officers also sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
Police seized four vehicles believed to have been used in the robbery, along with four rifles. "Police investigations continue," Nevhuhulwi added.
In a separate but related incident, a joint operation involving various law enforcement agencies intercepted suspects involved in a planned CIT robbery in Rietgat, Pretoria. The operation included members of the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, SAPS Counter Intelligence Investigation Head Office, DPCI Gauteng Multi-Disciplinary Tracking Team, SAPS Gauteng TRT, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, SAPS DNC Crime Detection, CAP Specialised Operations, Tracker Connect, Gemini Global Defense, and BadBoyz Security.
Acting on intelligence, officers moved in as the robbery was taking place. "As members approached the bombing scene, they were shot at from suspects traveling in six vehicles. Officers returned fire, resulting in a shootout," a police statement revealed.
One suspect was fatally wounded at the scene, and three suspects were apprehended, all suffering from gunshot wounds. Four unlicensed firearms (rifles and handguns) were recovered, along with cash inside a Toyota Hilux bakkie that had been robbed from the targeted cash van.
The pursuit of the remaining suspects led to the recovery of multiple vehicles, including a Chery Tiggo, Haval SUV, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Toyota Corolla, VW Polo, and a Mercedes-Benz RAM vehicle that had collided with the cash van. Two more suspects were fatally wounded, and seven others were arrested. Explosives were also among the recovered items.
All arrested suspects face multiple charges related to the planned and executed robberies. Those wounded were transported to hospital under police guard.
