Police shot and fatally wounded five suspected cash-in-transit robbers during a shootout at Ridgeview near Chesterville, KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday, 2 April 2025.
Police Disrupt Planned Robbery
According to the South African Police Service, officers launched an intelligence-led operation after receiving information that five suspects, linked to a series of cash-in-transit robberies including one in KwaMashu on Monday, 31 March 2025, were planning another heist in the iLembe District in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
This prompted an extensive police search.
Increased police presence in the area disrupted the suspects’ plans, allowing officers to trace their location to Ridgeview.
Police identified the suspects’ vehicle, but as officers moved in, the suspects opened fire.
A shootout ensued, and police shot and fatally wounded all five suspects.
Law enforcement officers recovered four firearms from the scene.
Suspected Kingpin Among the Dead
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said, “The suspects came from Gauteng, and authorities believe one of them acted as a kingpin behind multiple cash-in-transit robberies across the country.”
Authorities confirmed that the operation continues as police search for other suspects linked to the crimes.
Five suspected robbers Linked to KwaMashu Cash-in-Transit heist
Private security company Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) was on scene.
According to IOL, RUSA boss Prem Balram reported that multiple heavily armed suspects, travelling in two vehicles, forcibly stopped the cash van.
“The suspects attached explosives to the vehicle and detonated it in peak traffic. The armed robbers stole firearms from the security officers and took an undisclosed amount of cash. They fired multiple shots from high-calibre weapons before fleeing in a white Ford SUV and a silver Toyota Corolla,” said Balram.
A Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) member on patrol nearby noticed vehicles travelling contraflow on the M25. A motorist flagged the officer down, informing him of the ongoing robbery. The officer called for backup as he approached the scene.
The province has recorded the highest number of heists over three months according to the crime statistics released by the South African Police Services.
Do you think authorities can take more action to prevent these crimes?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
