RUSTENBURG – A cash-in-transit robbery in Rustenburg’s central business district ended in tragedy on Wednesday morning when one of the suspects fatally shot himself after a failed heist, police confirmed.
The incident unfolded shortly after 7am on Fatima Bhayat Street, where two security officers had stopped to collect cash from a local business. According to police spokesperson Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi, the attack was swift and violent.
“As one officer returned to the van, two armed men jumped out of an SUV and confronted him, demanding the money at gunpoint,” Mokgadi said.
During the scuffle, a shot was fired. The officer dropped the cash bag, which one of the suspects grabbed, while the second suspect allegedly wrestled the officer’s service weapon from him. Both suspects then fled on foot.
In a dramatic turn, the driver of the cash van, who had witnessed the attack, fired a single shot at one of the fleeing men. That suspect was declared dead at the scene. Video footage shared on social media shows the suspect shooting himself in the head, highlighting the chaotic nature of the incident.
“The suspect collapsed a short distance away but, according to police, managed to fire two shots back towards the vehicle before turning the gun on himself,” Sgt Mokgadi added.
Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspect, urging anyone with information to come forward. Citizens are asked to contact Lt-Col Nathaniel Phatshwana on 082 373 9571 with any relevant details.
The attempted robbery has left the community on edge, as cash-in-transit attacks have become a recurring concern in the area. Security experts note that these attacks often involve highly trained criminals willing to confront armed officers, putting both the public and security personnel at extreme risk.
Police investigations are ongoing, with authorities examining surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the sequence of events leading up to the tragic conclusion. The cash recovered from the scene is also being accounted for as part of the inquiry.
The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of cash-in-transit operations in Rustenburg and surrounding areas. Community members have expressed shock and concern over the escalation of violence, particularly incidents that leave suspects dead at the scene.
“The safety of our security personnel and the general public is paramount,” Sgt Mokgadi said. “We are actively pursuing all leads to ensure the remaining suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.”
No officers were reported injured during the incident, but the psychological impact of such attacks on frontline security staff cannot be underestimated. Experts in the field emphasise the need for strict operational protocols and rapid response measures to prevent loss of life during such confrontations.
Residents in the Rustenburg CBD have also been warned to remain vigilant, avoid the area near Fatima Bhayat Street, and report any suspicious activity immediately. Police reassured the community that increased patrols and security presence would be deployed in response to the incident.
This event adds to a growing list of high-risk cash-in-transit robberies across South Africa, highlighting the continued threat posed by organised criminal syndicates. Authorities have called for increased collaboration between security companies, law enforcement, and the public to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The full details of the case are still being investigated, and authorities have urged the public not to share unverified information online, which could hinder ongoing investigations.
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