A dramatic and terrifying cash-in-transit heist unfolded on Durban’s M19 on Tuesday evening when a cash delivery vehicle, fresh from collecting money from local stores, came under a barrage of gunfire. The attack, which took place in the Reservoir Hills area around 6 pm, saw multiple suspects opening fire on the vehicle while driving in several cars, in what appeared to be a coordinated ambush aimed at stealing the cash.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Nethsuinda, the suspects failed to get their hands on the money. However, they managed to seize two firearms from the security guards accompanying the cash van. In the chaos that ensued, two people were shot and injured, though their identities and conditions have not been disclosed. The gunmen’s escape with the firearms has left police with a broader investigation into aggravated robbery, two counts of attempted murder, and attempted cash-in-transit robbery.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson detailed the tense moments at the scene. Emergency responders arrived to find a heavily damaged cash-in-transit vehicle, its body riddled with bullet holes, and police and security personnel already on site. The scene was chaotic, with both lanes of the M19 closed off for investigation. One of the injured security guards, who had sustained open wounds to his arms, was treated at the scene by Advanced Life Support Paramedics before being rushed to a nearby hospital for further care.
As the authorities investigated the crime scene, the area was sealed off, and no further details have been released about the suspects or any potential arrests. The violent nature of the attack has raised concerns over the increasing boldness of criminals targeting cash-in-transit vehicles, and the police in KwaZulu-Natal are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The incident, which highlights the ever-present danger faced by security personnel during cash deliveries, has left the community shaken and drawn attention to the broader issue of organized crime targeting the cash transport industry. With the suspects still at large, the investigation continues as authorities piece together what led to the brazen attack on the M19.
