Mthatha, Eastern Cape – A G4S armoured cash truck was ambushed by a gang of approximately 13 heavily armed robbers on Tuesday evening, making off with a substantial amount of cash in a meticulously planned cash-in-transit (CIT) heist. The incident occurred on the N2 highway between Qumbu and Tsolo, sending ripples of concern throughout the region.
The brazen attack unfolded at approximately 5:45 pm when the G4S vehicle, en route to Mthatha, was targeted by the assailants. According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the robbers used two white Toyota single-cab bakkies and a Toyota Fortuner to strategically ram the cash truck off the road.
"A shootout ensued between the suspects and security guards who were travelling in an escort vehicle," Mhlakuvana stated. The security team found themselves outgunned as the armed gang overpowered them, forcing the armoured truck to a standstill.
The robbers then proceeded to use explosives to breach the vehicle and gain access to the cash inside. "One service pistol was taken from the security officials, and an undisclosed amount of cash was removed from the vehicle using explosives," Mhlakuvana confirmed.
The Hawks are currently undertaking a thorough investigation to apprehend the suspects and piece together the events leading up to the audacious attack. "Investigators are working tirelessly to trace the suspects and to reconstruct the sequence of events that culminated in this brazen attack," Mhlakuvana added.
In the aftermath of the heist, reports emerged of members of the public collecting scattered banknotes at the scene. The Hawks have strongly condemned this behaviour, warning that it not only constitutes a criminal offence but also jeopardises the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
"The [Hawks] also expresses serious concern over reports that members of the public were observed collecting scattered banknotes at the scene," Mhlakuvana emphasised. "Such conduct not only constitutes a criminal offence but also directly undermines the integrity of the ongoing investigation."
This incident follows a separate, equally dramatic, but ultimately failed cash-in-transit heist in Rustenburg, which resulted in the death of one of the would-be robbers.
Rustenburg Incident
In Rustenburg, North West Province, a robber fatally shot himself after a failed attempt to rob a cash-in-transit vehicle in the Rustenburg CBD. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning, shortly after 7 am, according to police spokesperson Sgt Ofentse Mokgadi.
Two security officers had stopped on Fatima Bhayat Street to collect cash from a local business when the attempted robbery unfolded. "As one officer returned to the van, two armed men jumped out of an SUV and confronted him, demanding the money at gunpoint," Mokgadi explained.
During the confrontation, a shot was fired, causing the officer to drop the cash bag. One of the suspects grabbed the bag, while the second suspect allegedly wrestled away the officer’s service weapon. The two suspects then fled the scene on foot.
The driver of the cash van, witnessing the attack, responded by firing a single shot at one of the fleeing suspects. "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," Mokgadi stated.
Video footage of the incident, which has been widely shared on social media, shows the suspect shooting himself in the head. He was declared dead at the scene.
Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspect involved in the Rustenburg incident. Anyone with information that could assist in the apprehension of the suspect is urged to contact Lt-Col Nathaniel Phatshwana on 082 373 9571.
The Mthatha heist and the Rustenburg incident highlight the ongoing challenges faced by security companies and law enforcement in combating cash-in-transit crimes in South Africa. The sophisticated planning and execution of the Mthatha robbery, in particular, demonstrate the lengths to which criminals are willing to go to obtain illicit funds.
The Hawks are appealing to anyone with information regarding the Mthatha heist to come forward and assist with their investigation. The authorities are committed to bringing the perpetrators of this audacious crime to justice and ensuring the safety and security of the community.
The rise in CIT heists across South Africa has prompted renewed calls for increased security measures and greater collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private security companies. The economic impact of these crimes is significant, not only in terms of the direct financial losses but also in the disruption they cause to businesses and the fear they instill in communities.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has been working to enhance its strategies for preventing and responding to CIT heists, including increased patrols in high-risk areas and the deployment of specialised units trained to deal with these types of crimes. However, the ongoing nature of these incidents suggests that more needs to be done to address the underlying factors that contribute to their prevalence.
Follow Us on Twitter
