Armed men on the loose after foiled N2 robbery at Blythedale

A shootout between police and three armed men took place near Blythedale this morning as police chanced on a robbery in progress.

According to KwaDukuza SAPS spokesperson, constable Sibusiso Khuzwayo, at around 9am this morning (Wednesday) police driving south on the highway from Zinkwazi came upon the robbery at the Blythedale overpass.

Three well-dressed men carrying guns then opened fire on the police before splitting up and running into the sugarcane towards Blythedale. It is not known whether the men were robbing a vehicle or pedestrians.

Two of the men fled together while the third broke off in another direction. Unfortunately for the would-be robbers police, farmwatch members, security agencies and municipal law enforcement had held a mock drill of just such a scenario last week and responded quickly, implementing the agreed upon strategy when the call went out. A SAPS helicopter was also called to assist in the manhunt.

Also read: N2 backed up following high-speed chase, shootout

Check points were set up in farms in the area and patrols started immediately.

Security officers patrolling the sugarcane came upon two of the criminals and another shootout ensued, with the two then also splitting up and fleeing again into the cane. No injuries were reported.

According to security services at the scene – who spoke on condition of anonymity – it is believed the men were on foot when the attack took place, though they may have had a getaway car at the ready.

Officials warned anybody living in the area to be on the lookout for suspicious characters. Do not pick up hitch-hikers and, particularly for farmers in the area, keep your doors locked. It is believed that they may well continue to hide in the sugarcane until they feel it is safe to emerge.

 If you spot suspicious activity or believe you saw one of the robbers, do not approach them as they are armed and have opened fire on officers twice already. Contact KwaDukuza SAPS at 032-551 8287.

WATCH: Courier journalist Allan Troskie was live at the scene of the robbery shortly after it happened.

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