Four individuals suspected of being involved in a series of cash-in-transit robberies in eThekwini were fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with police in KwaMashu on Friday morning.
KwaMashu cash-in-transit heist suspects killed in police shootout
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This police action follows an attempted robbery on Thursday evening, where an armoured cash vehicle was set ablaze on the N2 between KwaMashu and Nandi Drive in Durban.
The incident on Thursday was reported around 19:30, drawing an immediate response from ALS Paramedics and police.
Once the scene was secured by SAPS, medics found the cash-in-transit vehicle ablaze. The guards on board sustained minor injuries but declined further treatment.
The episode led to the closure of the N2 southbound, with the circumstances surrounding the attempted robbery and subsequent explosion being probed by the authorities.
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Preceding this, on Wednesday morning, another violent cash-in-transit robbery transpired on Malendela Road in KwaMashu, Durban, leading to three individuals being hospitalised after an explosion that engulfed the armoured vehicle in flames.
These robberies prompted a coordinated operation by a multi-disciplinary police team in conjunction with the Hawks, targeting a residence at the crossroads of Queen Nandi Drive and Sikhindi Road in KwaMashu, believed to be a hideout for the alleged perpetrators.
As the law enforcement personnel approached the dwelling and announced their arrival, they were met with gunfire from the suspects inside, spiralling the situation into a fierce shootout.
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The exchange ended with all four suspects being fatally shot.
In the aftermath, a search of the premises revealed a substantial arsenal of firearms including an AK47 assault rifle, an R5 rifle, and two pistols, alongside a significant stash of ammunition.
Furthermore, a notable amount of explosives, various vehicle number plates with some bearing Limpopo province registrations, and signal jammers were uncovered, painting a picture of a well-structured criminal operation.
The authorities have emphasised that the investigation is far from over.