A terrifying cash-in-transit (CIT) heist unfolded on the N2 southbound near the NPC Cement Factory in Durban on Wednesday morning, 4 March 2026, transforming a bustling highway into a scene of utter chaos and violence. Armed robbers ambushed a security vehicle, bombing it with explosives and engaging in a brutal shootout that left two security guards critically injured, one of whom had to be airlifted to hospital. The brazen attack has not only caused massive traffic disruptions, with the N2 being closed for hours, but has also reignited fears about the escalating sophistication and ruthlessness of organised crime syndicates in South Africa.
The incident began with a sudden and ferocious assault on the cash van. Eyewitnesses described a scene akin to a war zone, with the deafening sound of explosions followed by a volley of gunfire. Motorists caught in the crossfire spoke of their sheer terror, recounting how they ducked for cover as bullets whizzed past their vehicles. One motorist, visibly shaken, described the experience as “horrifying,” stating that they “never imagined witnessing such a thing on a public highway.” The precision and audacity of the attack suggest a well-planned operation by a highly organised criminal gang, undeterred by the presence of other vehicles or the potential for civilian casualties.
Following the initial ambush, the robbers used explosives to gain access to the cash compartment of the armoured vehicle. The force of the blast was significant, leaving the van a mangled wreck and scattering debris across the highway. In the ensuing chaos, two security guards sustained serious gunshot wounds. Paramedics and emergency services rushed to the scene, where one guard, in a critical condition, was immediately airlifted to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. The second guard was stabilised on site before being transported to another medical facility. Their conditions remain a grave concern, highlighting the extreme dangers faced by those tasked with protecting valuable cargo.
The aftermath of the heist saw the N2 southbound completely shut down, leading to extensive traffic gridlock and frustration for thousands of commuters. Police and forensic teams descended on the scene, meticulously combing through the wreckage for clues and evidence. The closure of such a vital arterial route underscores the significant societal and economic impact of these criminal acts, extending far beyond the immediate financial losses and physical injuries. The disruption caused by the heist serves as a stark reminder of how quickly public safety and order can be undermined by determined criminal elements.
This latest CIT robbery is part of a disturbing trend of increasing attacks across South Africa. Criminal syndicates are employing increasingly violent tactics, often using high-powered firearms and explosives, to overcome security measures. The psychological toll on security personnel, motorists, and communities living near these hotspots is immense. There are growing calls for law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to combat these syndicates, which pose a direct threat to the country’s economic stability and public safety. The brazenness of these attacks also raises questions about intelligence gathering and preventative measures, as it appears these gangs operate with a high degree of impunity.
As investigations continue, the focus will be on identifying and apprehending the perpetrators of this violent crime. The incident serves as a chilling reminder of the constant battle against organised crime in South Africa and the urgent need for a coordinated and robust response from all stakeholders. The “highway of horror” on the N2 KZN is a stark symbol of the challenges facing the nation, where the pursuit of illicit gains continues to claim lives and sow fear among the populace.
The public demands not just arrests, but a comprehensive strategy to dismantle these criminal networks and restore a sense of security on the country’s roads. The terrifying accounts from motorists and the critical injuries sustained by the guards underscore the human cost of this escalating crime wave, leaving a lasting impression of fear and vulnerability.
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