A cash-in-transit heist on the N2 highway in Durban turned deadly on Tuesday morning after armed suspects ambushed an armoured vehicle, leading to a chaotic scene of explosions and gunfire.
Watch: Dashcam captures brazen cash-in-transit heist on Durban N2
The incident, which unfolded near the Cement Factory, caused severe disruptions as traffic came to a standstill while law enforcement and emergency services responded to multiple locations where civilians were caught in the crossfire.
Motorists driving along the N2 between the M7 and M1 Higginson Highway were forced to reverse in an attempt to escape as the suspects executed the attack in broad daylight.
Dashcam footage circulating online shows the moment shots rang out, sending drivers into a panic while others remained trapped in the congestion.
Authorities have since confirmed that one woman lost her life during the shootout, and several others sustained injuries, including security personnel and commuters.
Durban Metro Police have cordoned off a section of the N2 to allow forensic teams to collect evidence and clear debris from the targeted vehicle, which was overturned and later blown up by the suspects.
According to Advanced Life Support (ALS) Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the attack took place shortly after 06:00.
The cash-in-transit vehicle was forced off the road before being bombed by the suspects, who made off with an undisclosed amount of money.
Three security officers were injured in the initial explosion and subsequent gunfire before being stabilised and transported to hospital.
However, the violence did not end there. Approximately 500 metres from the scene, three passengers aboard a bus sustained gunshot wounds as stray bullets tore through the vehicle.
Emergency responders rushed to their aid, stabilizing them before transferring them to nearby medical facilities.
A second shooting was reported on the Higginson Highway bridge over the N2, where two more individuals were wounded. They, too, were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.
In Chatsworth’s Silverglen Drive area, paramedics encountered yet another scene of bloodshed.
Two women, both believed to be in their 30s, along with a security officer, were found with gunshot and assault-related injuries. One of the women was declared dead on site, marking the only confirmed fatality from the incident.
Durban Metro Police have advised motorists to avoid the affected section of the N2, which remains closed as authorities investigate the crime scene.