Security officers injured in KZN cash-in-transit robbery! Security officers narrowly escaped death during a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday afternoon.
The incident took place on the R102 between Mandeni and Gingindlovu, where heavily armed criminals ambushed a CIT vehicle.
Heist on the R102: Explosives Used to Access Cash
IPSS Medical Rescue spokesperson Samantha Meyrick confirmed that IPSS Medical Rescue and IPSS Security responded to reports of a violent CIT heist.
“Armed suspects opened fire on a CIT vehicle and its escort, forcing the escort vehicle off the road before using explosives to gain access to the back of the CIT truck,” Meyrick said.
She further revealed that the suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash and stolen firearms.
Security Officers Injured During the Attack
The attack left two security officers from the escort vehicle injured. Fortunately, their injuries were minor, and they were transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment by IPSS Medical Rescue.
Authorities closed the R102 for investigations, causing major traffic delays in the area.
Police Investigating the CIT Robbery
Local police have launched an investigation into the attack and are currently gathering evidence and witness statements.
Officials have yet to release details regarding potential suspects or whether any arrests have been made.
Crime Statistics: CIT Robberies Decreasing Nationally
The KwaZulu-Natal CIT robbery comes just a week after Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the third-quarter crime statistics covering October 2024 to December 2024.
The statistics showed that a total of 29 CIT heists occurred during this period, reflecting a drop from 46 incidents reported during the same period in 2023.
CIT Robberies by Province
While there was an overall decline in CIT robberies across the country, some provinces still recorded increases:
- Mpumalanga – Increased by two cases
- KwaZulu-Natal – Increased by one case
Meanwhile, some provinces registered a decline in CIT heists:
- Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, Limpopo – Reported fewer cases compared to 2023
- North West and Northern Cape – No recorded changes in the number of incidents
Types of CIT Robberies Reported in the Last Quarter
The statistics further detailed how the 29 CIT robberies unfolded:
- 22 occurred on the road, involving violent attacks on CIT vehicles
- Seven were cross-pavement heists, where cash-in-transit guards were targeted outside their trucks
Among the seven cross-pavement incidents:
- Three involved security guards being shot at
- Four saw criminals threatening guards at gunpoint to force them to hand over money
Additionally, six incidents happened after security officers had collected cash from businesses and were on their way back to their vehicle.
One incident took place when cash was being replenished at an ATM.
The Rise of Explosive Attacks in CIT Heists
One alarming trend in CIT heists is the increasing use of explosives to break into armored vehicles.
Criminals are now more organized and heavily armed, often using military-style tactics to overpower security teams and destroy cash compartments inside CIT trucks.
This trend was evident in the KZN heist, where the robbers used explosives to breach the truck.
Authorities Urging Public to Assist with Investigations
Police have called on anyone with information about the KwaZulu-Natal CIT robbery to come forward.
With CIT attacks becoming more sophisticated and dangerous, law enforcement agencies are working to combat organized crime syndicates involved in these violent robberies.
The latest KwaZulu-Natal heist serves as a reminder that despite an overall decline in CIT robberies, criminals are still finding ways to execute high-profile attacks.
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