Two security guards were shot and seriously injured during a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist on the N4 highway near the Watermeyer off-ramp in Pretoria on Thursday evening.

The pair were driving from Modimolle to a cash depot in Silverton when a group of about 12 suspects, using five getaway vehicles, ambushed them.

Gunshots were heard as well as an explosion by residents in Lydiana, Wilgers, Val de Grace and even as far as the Moot.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Netshiunda said two of the suspects’ vehicles caught fire during the incident.

“A shoot-out ensued between the security and the suspects,” he said.

“An unknown amount of money was taken. Police are investigating cases of CIT robbery, attempted murder and possession of explosives.”

Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso said paramedics and firefighters received a call at 21:15, where a fire was reported.

“Upon arrival at the scene, they found three vehicles that were on fire, one of which was a cash in transit vehicle,” he said.

“Paramedics were already treating two male patients reported to be security officers for injuries which included facial burns.”

The security guards also sustained gunshot wounds, according to Emer-G-Med paramedics’ Kyle van Reenen.

He said one of the guards was found in a critical condition and was treated and stabilised on scene by Emergency Care Practitioners.

“Thereafter he was airlifted to a specialist facility for the definitive care that he required.”

The other guard was transported to Muelmed Hospital with moderate to serious injuries.

He was injured when metal from the transit vehicle’s safe hit him on the head during the explosion.

Mabaso said firefighters managed to extinguish the vehicles.