By: Buhle Mbhele
Two suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers have been fatally shot, and another two arrested following a shootout with police in Sinyameni, near Msinga, in KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands region.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker confirmed that law enforcement had received intelligence regarding a planned heist in the area. Acting swiftly, an operation was launched involving a multidisciplinary team, including members of the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Crime Intelligence.
“Police officers were deployed to monitor the identified area and conduct high-visibility patrols,” said Naicker.
During the operation, officers spotted a luxury vehicle with four occupants behaving suspiciously. The vehicle was tactically approached, at which point the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police. A gunfight ensued, resulting in two suspects being fatally wounded at the scene. The remaining two were arrested and are currently in police custody.
Several firearms and ammunition were recovered from the scene. The vehicle, believed to have been used in previous armed robberies, has been seized for further forensic analysis.
No police officers were injured during the operation.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges including attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.
Naicker praised the swift coordination of police units, adding that this successful intervention was part of ongoing efforts to crack down on cash-in-transit crimes, which have plagued parts of KwaZulu-Natal and other provinces in recent years.
