Two cash-in-transit heist suspects, including an alleged 55-year-old notorious mastermind, were shot dead in a shootout with police at New Glasgow in Verulam, north of Durban, last night.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said during an integrated intelligence-led operation, police caught up with vehicles they identified as suspicious on New Glasgow main road.

“When police signalled for the suspects’ vehicle to stop, a white single cab bakkie sped off, while a silver sedan pulled over and the passenger started firing shots at the police.

“Police returned fire and during the shootout, two suspects were shot [dead].”

Netshiunda said the suspects were found in possession of two firearms, a pistol and a rifle.

“Preliminary investigations have confirmed that the rifle was stolen during a cash-in-transit robbery which happened in Verulam in August 2024.

“The pistol, whose serial number was erased, was found to be a police-issued firearm.”

Netshiunda said the 55-year-old suspect who was killed had a warrant of arrest issued by the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court in May 2024 for a case of conspiracy to commit a cash-in-transit robbery which he allegedly committed in May 2022.

He is linked to at least 23 cases of cash-in-transit robbery.

Netshiunda added that a manhunt for the other suspects who escaped arrest is underway.