Key Points:
- Armed suspects used explosives to bomb a cash-in-transit van near KwaMashu.
- The suspects escaped with an unknown amount of money.
- Injured security officers were hospitalized; N2 southbound was closed.
DURBAN, South Africa — A violent armed robbery KwaMashu cash van heist unfolded Friday morning on the N2 freeway near KwaMashu, just north of Durban. A group of heavily armed suspects ambushed an armored vehicle, planted explosives, and blew it up before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of cash.
Explosives Used to Breach the Van
Kyle van Reenen, spokesperson for Ensure Security, said the company immediately received multiple alerts about gunfire and explosions. He said their response teams rushed to the scene on the N2’s southbound side.
“They arrived to find the shattered remains of a bombed cash van,” van Reenen said. “Debris from the explosion covered multiple lanes of the highway.”
According to witnesses, at least 12 gunmen blocked the van’s path and fired automatic weapons. Then they used explosives to breach the vehicle’s secure compartments and accessed the cash inside.
Casualties and Traffic Disruptions
ALS Paramedics confirmed that the robbers injured two security guards during the attack. Medics treated the guards on the scene. Afterward, they transported them to a nearby hospital for additional care.
“The explosion could have caused far worse injuries,” said a paramedic. “Luckily, the guards survived with moderate wounds.”
Authorities closed the N2 southbound lanes soon after the blast. Forensic investigators and law enforcement officers arrived quickly and began their examination of the scene.
Van Reenen urged motorists to avoid the area and use alternate routes during the investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal police did not provide a comment by the time of publication. However, authorities confirmed they have launched an investigation into the armed robbery KwaMashu cash van incident.
This is a developing story. More updates to follow.
