Chatsworth security officer Steffen Govender is in ICU after being shot three times while pursuing armed robbers in a deadly cash-in-transit heist. One woman died, and several others were injured. Police are searching for the suspects.
A Chatsworth security officer is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after being shot three times by armed robbers involved in a deadly cash-in-transit heist. The robbery occurred Tuesday morning on the N2 near the NPC cement factory. It resulted in one woman’s death and left several others injured.
Heist and Shootout on Silverglen Drive
The suspects targeted a Fidelity ADT van, bombing it on the N2 before fleeing the scene in a white Mercedes Benz. Steffen Govender, a 44-year-old tactical officer with Prosecure, spotted the suspects escaping. He was, at that time, stationed at the Mobeni Heights off-ramp when As they made their getaway, the robbers opened fire, injuring Govender with gunshots to his right hand, which shattered two of his fingers.
Despite being injured, Govender pursued the suspects, following them to Silverglen Drive. During the chase, he sustained two more gunshot wounds to his neck. Tragically, two women walking to work at the time were caught in the crossfire. One of the women died at the scene, while the other survived.
A Close Call for Civilians
Before Govender encountered the robbers on Silverglen Drive, they hijacked a Montford couple in an attempt to switch vehicles. Mervin Luke, 57, described how the robbers demanded that he and his wife exit their vehicle at gunpoint. They complied and fled the scene, finding refuge in another vehicle. Luke later found his vehicle abandoned and unscathed, though it had been surrounded by bullet shells.
“I always pray before I leave home,” said Luke. “That day, I believe my prayers saved us.”
Police Search for Suspects
Robert Netshiunda, a spokesperson for the KZN police, confirmed that an unknown number of suspects attacked the CIT vehicle, assaulting two security guards and stealing firearms. Several bystanders were also injured during the robbery. The suspects fled through the Bayview area, and police are currently on the lookout for them.
In addition to the three security officers injured at the heist scene, paramedics also treated three bus passengers who sustained multiple gunshot wounds near Silverglen Drive.
The police investigation is ongoing, and Govender’s family remains hopeful for his recovery as they await further medical updates.
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