Pensioners on Mahoro Street in Everest, Thokoza, are reeling in shock following the impact of the recent cash-in-transit (CIT) heist explosion, which many claim has irreparably damaged their properties.

Several homes were damaged when 10 unknown men bombed a G4S van and fled with an undisclosed amount of money during the heist on July 28.

Homeowner Hilda Dhlamini (78), who lives a few metres from the scene, told the Kathorus MAIL that she was busy in her yard when she heard repeated loud explosions and gunfire.

“After hearing the sounds, I ran inside the house to check on my disabled granddaughter, Busiswe Moerane, to see if she was hurt.

“When I got inside, I found her sitting on the couch, frightened. I took her to the bedroom for safety. When I tried to peek through the window to check what was happening outside, I heard another loud bang, which damaged the dining room window.

“The impact from the explosions damaged five windows, a palisade fence, a roof gutter and part of the garage wall,” said Dhlamini.

She said some parts of the G4S van flew onto her premises during the heist.

“When I went out to check, I saw a badly damaged cash van surrounded by community members. I’m glad we are safe, but my house suffered serious damage, and because my husband and I are pensioners, we will struggle to fix it. We are appealing to Good Samaritans to help us,” Hilda expressed.

She added that she didn’t see the suspects.

“By the time I came out, the suspects had fled, and a few minutes later, the police arrived. What happened has left me and my grandchild in disbelief. We are traumatised and struggling to sleep at night.”

Another homeowner and pensioner, Kelebogile Tshabalala (69), said the blast destroyed 13 windows on her property.

“I was sitting in the kitchen drinking tea when I heard several loud bangs, and then the windows shattered. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening. I tried to peek through the bedroom window but couldn’t locate the source of the noise, so I began praying to God for protection.”

She said when she went outside, she discovered criminals had robbed a G4S van.

“My dogs were nervous and frightened, moving around trying to find a safe spot. I’m also not okay and have been drinking painkillers, because since the incident, I’ve had a severe headache.

“I’m appealing for help from Good Samaritans. I replaced some broken windows, but can’t afford to fix all 13,” said Tshabalala.

Sizwe Tshabalala, her son, said the criminals were ruthless and inconsiderate, as they didn’t even consider the safety of schoolchildren at Umzamo Primary School during the bombing.

“They bombed the van near the school, during school hours. They put the lives of children in danger for money,” said Sizwe.

The Ward 56 councillor in Thokoza, Fanifani Radebe, said he had advised affected residents to report damages to the Thokoza Police Station.

“Once they get their case numbers, I will link them with the CoE to help with repairs.”

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