Search for KZN cash-in-transit robbers leads to fatal shoot-out

Two suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers were shot and fatally wounded during a gun battle with police in Phoenix, KZN, during the early hours of this morning.

The SAPS’ multidisciplinary team involving officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, commonly known as the Hawks, the Provincial Tracking and Tracing Team, the Tactical Response Team and the K9 Unit were searching for the suspects who had committed a CIT robbery in Kranskop yesterday afternoon.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says: “After an extensive search throughout the night, the suspects were spotted at Bhamshela in Tongaat early this morning and having defied police’s instruction to stop, a high-speed chase continued. The suspects’ vehicle then crashed against a lamp pole along the Phoenix Highway and the suspects got out of the vehicle and started shooting at the police. A shoot-out ensued and two suspects were fatally shot, one next to the vehicle whereas the other was shot inside a residence where he had run into as he continued shooting at the police. Three rifles and a pistol, several rounds of ammunition as well as an undisclosed amount of money were found in possession of the suspects.”

One suspect was later arrested after he was located at a block of flats with gunshot wounds. The search for the remaining suspects is underway with police following blood stains into the bushes. Though no police officer was injured, a police vehicle was shot at, allegedly by the suspects.

Nearby hospitals and medical centres have been informed about the shoot-out and that they should report any patient with suspected gunshot wounds to the police. Anyone who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects who escaped is urged to contact the nearest police station or contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.