The N11 highway was thrown into chaos on Monday afternoon, 28 October 2024, as a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist unfolded near Newcastle, leaving horrified motorists witnessing an assault of chilling intensity.
According to reports, the incident occurred at approximately 4:45 pm, when a team of unidentified men launched an attack on a Cash-In-Transit vehicle travelling towards Newcastle.
Providing insight into the harrowing event, Lieutenant Colonel Simphwe Mhlongo, Spokesperson for the Hawks (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation), detailed that the CIT vehicle was allegedly ambushed by approximately 15 suspects who unleashed a relentless barrage of gunfire upon the vehicle, forcing it to come to a halt.
After the vehicle was immobilised, Lieutenant Colonel Mhlongo reported, “Two security guards were robbed of their service firearms and explosives were used to blow the back of the cash van.” Despite the determined efforts of the attackers to access the cash, their plan was foiled as the safes remained sealed, preventing them from obtaining any of the money.
However, the attack’s ferocity led to tragic consequences. A security guard trapped inside the rear of the CIT vehicle perished as flames consumed the compartment, leaving him unable to escape.
In the aftermath, emergency responders and law enforcement officers worked under intense conditions to manage the devastating scene. Charles Steyn of Magenta Emergency Medical Services explained, “Following the death of the security guard, we had to cut off the rear of the vehicle to retrieve his body. The vehicle was so hot, however, that we had to cool it with water first.”
Alongside the tragic fatality, two other security guards sustained injuries during the attack. “The driver of the vehicle had climbed out of the vehicle and had attempted to run away but he was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the leg. Another security official sustained serious burns on his face and arms,” added Steyn. The driver had allegedly been shot with an AK47 round in the elbow region of his arm, while he was allegedly shot in the leg with a 9mm.
Commenting on the scene, an official police source described the suspects as highly organised. He claimed, “Approximately 500 used AK-47 rounds were found at the scene, along with several 9mm rounds.”
Following the attack, the N11 was closed for approximately five hours, reopening to traffic at around 10 pm. This closure enabled law enforcement and emergency responders to conduct a thorough investigation, while paramedics tended to the injured security personnel.
As the Hawks intensify their investigation to bring those responsible to justice, if you have any information that could assist in the case, you are urged to contact law enforcement.
With the above in mind, what are your thoughts? Share your views in the comments below.
Comments 3
Bring back the death penalty, this is horrific in this day and age but is shows the state of the country.
Shoot to kill when the criminals are found
Newcastle is becoming a criminal haven CIT Murder attempted murder drugs kidnappings and other serious crimes. Corruption in the saps and the justice system id eminent. The pakis nigerians and somalians are running a mock with crime and getting away as the pakis have contacts in the saps , courts and home affairs assisting them to get away. A good example will be investigate why the paki from cellfix who everyone knows is out on bail is in lennoxton so often meeting the guy who works at home affairs .