Two guards who were escorting a cash delivery truck, were seriously injured when a gang of cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers opened fire on them near Baberton on Saturday.

According to SAPS national spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Netshiunda, reports indicate that an armoured cash delivery truck and its escort vehicle were travelling along the R38 between eManzana (formerly Badplaas) and Barberton, when they were accosted by suspects who were travelling in three vehicles; two white Mercedes-Benz sedans and a white Toyota Etios.

“The suspects allegedly fired shots at the security guards who were escorting the cash truck and seriously injured two of them. The suspects are reported to have fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money.”

He said two vehicles the suspects allegedly used as getaway vehicles were found abandoned in Ndubazi Forest.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the two vehicles, a white Toyota Etios and a grey Honda i-VTEC, belong to private companies in Sandton and Wonderboom in Gauteng.

“The two vehicles were neither reported stolen nor hijacked. Investigations continue, and the manhunt for the suspects is under way.”

The Mpumalanga SAPS is investigating cases of armed robbery and attempted murder.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects is encouraged to contact the nearest police station, call the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or alert the police via the My SAPS app.