KEY POINTS
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Two suspects linked to multiple cash-in-transit heists were killed during a shootout with police in Wasbank, KZN, with unlicensed firearms recovered at the scene.
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The suspects had been wanted for at least six robberies across KwaZulu-Natal since 2022, including one with charges related to explosives and ammunition possession.
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The shootout underscores ongoing efforts by police to dismantle sophisticated CIT gangs operating across South Africa, amid rising public concern over violent heists.
The operation, carried out by a specialised police unit acting on intelligence, marked a significant breakthrough in a months-long manhunt for a gang linked to a string of high-profile heists.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the suspects were wanted in connection with at least six CIT robbery cases.
IOL reports that these incidents took place across KwaDukuza, Verulam, Nyoni, Greytown, Phoenix, and Langlaagte between June 2022 and March 2025, resulting in the theft of millions of rands and the deployment of vast law enforcement resources.
“The suspects were traced to a residence in Wasbank where they had been hiding. When police officers arrived and identified themselves, they came under fire. A shootout ensued, and both suspects were fatally wounded,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
One of the deceased, a 43-year-old male, was already the subject of a warrant of arrest for possession of explosives and illegal ammunition — typical tools used in CIT heists. Two unlicensed firearms were recovered at the scene. Fortunately, no police officers were injured in the operation.
Shootout highlights ongoing threat of organised CIT crime in South Africa
This confrontation is the latest in a series of violent encounters between law enforcement and heavily armed CIT robbers. The heists have plagued South Africa for years, with criminals targeting cash vans, armoured vehicles, and bank cash drop points using military-grade tactics, vehicles, and weapons.
Just last week, a similar incident occurred in Mpumalanga, where two alleged CIT suspects were shot during an attempted robbery near White River. Security guards repelled the attack, killing one suspect on the spot and injuring another, who remains under police guard in hospital.
Two rifles were recovered, and the CIT robbers getaway vehicle — a Ford Ranger — was later found abandoned in Swalala, near Masoyi.
National police officials have repeatedly stressed the dangers posed by organised CIT syndicates and praised the swift response of specialised units such as the Hawks and the Tactical Response Team (TRT).
“We are witnessing an increase in the sophistication and coordination of these robberies,” said a senior police intelligence officer, who requested anonymity. “This isn’t just street-level crime. These are highly structured operations, often involving ex-military personnel and insiders within the cash transport industry.”
As part of broader efforts to address the crisis, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has increased intelligence-led operations, bolstered inter-agency cooperation, and invested in advanced surveillance technology. Mobile roadblocks and drone surveillance have been introduced on known CIT transit routes, while the public is being urged to report suspicious activity.
Meanwhile, concerns over the safety of cash transit personnel and bystanders continue to rise. Civilians have frequently been caught in the crossfire during heists, prompting calls from civil society organisations for stricter firearms regulations and the adoption of digital transaction systems to reduce cash dependency.
Despite these challenges, law enforcement has made notable gains. Dozens of suspects have been arrested in recent months, and several gangs have been dismantled. Still, the threat persists, and the criminal networks remain adaptive and dangerous.
“Every successful operation weakens their grip, but this is a long game. We must remain vigilant,” Colonel Netshiunda concluded.
