Explosives unit called in after Pietermaritzburg cash-in-transit heist
An explosives unit combed the scene of a Pietermaritzburg CIT heist where a cash van was bombed and the driver shot during a brazen ambush.
A specialist explosives unit was last night sweeping the scene of a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist near Bisley Nature Reserve in Pietermaritzburg, amid concerns that a live explosive device may still be present.
The Witness reports that Murray Road, leading to the nature reserve, was cordoned off from the Oribi Road intersection, with law enforcement securing the area.
At least five bullet casings were visible on the road, indicating the intensity of the gunfire that erupted shortly before 17:45.
Sources at the scene told The Witness the robbery was initially planned closer to the N3 area, but the cash vehicle driver changed the route, possibly disrupting the suspects’ plan.
Despite this, the attackers intercepted the vehicle at the Oribi and Murray Road intersection, where they bombed the FCS armoured van.
A white Isuzu bakkie, believed to have been used in the robbery, was found burning at the scene.
The number and identity of the getaway vehicles remain unclear, but it is believed about 12 suspects were involved.
The Hawks and SAPS were on site, managing the scene and conducting a full forensic and bomb investigation.
By 20:00, the area remained an active crime scene and members of the public were urged to avoid it until it was declared safe.
A previous report by The Witness confirmed the cash van driver was shot during the armed ambush and the armoured vehicle bombed at the intersection of Oribi and Murray roads, near the entrance to the nature reserve.
According to AET Security, the driver sustained gunshot wounds to the leg and hand during the attack. Emergency services responded swiftly and took him to hospital for treatment.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Police have not yet released details about the amount of money stolen or the exact sequence of events.
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