Police are investigating a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Phomolong after an explosive device detonated earlier this morning (July 27), killing one of the suspects.

At the time of publication, police and emergency services remained on the scene, reports Kempton Express.

Suspects open fire and detonate explosives

District SAPS spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela said three Fidelity security guards were travelling towards Phomolong near the intersection of Modderfontein and Masala roads when between two and three vehicles approached them.

Sekgobela said a white GD6 vehicle stopped near the cash van while suspects pointed rifles at the guards, before another suspect planted an explosive device on the vehicle.

She added that additional suspects opened fire and ordered nearby motorists to turn around and use an alternative route.

The cash van was subsequently bombed, and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. The three security guards sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene for shock.

Robbers steal security firearms

Police confirmed that several security firearms were taken during the incident, including two handguns, a rifle, a revolver with six rounds of ammunition, a pistol and an R4 rifle DM4.

Police confirmed that one of the suspects died while allegedly working on the explosive device.