A woman caught in the crossfire of a shootout was shot dead, and another was rushed to the hospital during a cash-in-transit heist in Umlazi, Durban.

KZN police are currently searching for an unknown number of suspects in connection to the cash-in-transit robbery, murder, and attempted murder that happened near Philani Valley in Umlazi yesterday.

According to KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, information has revealed that the cash-in-transit armored vehicle had just collected money from a grocery chain store and was travelling on the M35 when it came under attack by heavily armed suspects.

“Police officers from the Public Order Policing Unit in Durban, who were on duty travelling in a combi, drove into the active cash-in-transit crime scene unaware, and were ambushed by the suspects. One police officer sustained a gunshot wound on the foot, and the rest of the officers tactically took cover under heavy gunfire,” says Netshuinda.

He adds that the suspects also reportedly fired several random shots, and one woman, who was a passenger in a vehicle, suffered fatal gunshot wounds, while another person was rushed to the hospital with a gunshot injury.

Search for the suspects

Netshiunda says the suspects reportedly fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money and urged anyone who might have information about the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tip-offs can also be relayed via the MySAPS App.