Cash-in-transit suspect gunned down

Cash-In-Transit Suspect Killed in Gunfight with KZN Police, Manhunt Underway for A high-stakes police operation ended in gunfire on Sunday night when a wanted cash-in-transit (CIT) suspect was shot and killed during a raid in Maphumulo, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

A second suspect managed to flee the scene and is now the subject of an intense police manhunt.

Two police officers were wounded in the shootout and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

According to police, the raid followed an intelligence-driven operation that traced the suspects to a remote hideout.

The breakthrough came shortly after a team of officers and private security operatives returned from a week-long mission in Gauteng, where they were following leads related to a string of recent CIT heists.

Police say the quick pivot to KwaZulu-Natal was prompted by fresh intelligence indicating that two men, both suspected of involvement in CIT robberies, were hiding out in the area.“When the team moved in, they were met with heavy gunfire,” said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Thulani Zwane.

“During the exchange, one suspect was fatally wounded, while the other managed to escape. A manhunt has since been launched, and we are confident we will find him soon.” The scene revealed more than just a shootout.

Police recovered a cache of illegal weapons, multiple stolen vehicles, and a large quantity of explosives. Officers say the presence of explosives strongly suggests the suspects were planning another cash-in-transit robbery. “We believe they were preparing for an imminent heist,” Zwane added.

“The amount of firepower and equipment found at the location points to a highly organised operation.” The operation is part of ongoing efforts by police to disrupt criminal syndicates involved in CIT heists, which have plagued several provinces in recent months.

Gauteng, in particular, has been a hotbed for these crimes, prompting cross-provincial collaboration between police units.“This success demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated operations between various law enforcement agencies,” said a representative from the private security firm involved in the raid.

“But it also shows how determined and well-equipped these criminals are. They are prepared for war.”In recent years, CIT heists in South Africa have become increasingly violent, with suspects using military-grade weapons and explosives to ambush security vans. The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) has flagged these crimes as one of the most dangerous organised criminal activities in the country.

As police intensify their search for the second suspect, roadblocks and patrols have been increased across northern KwaZulu-Natal. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.“The public can play a critical role,” Zwane said.

“If you know something, say something—this man is armed, dangerous, and must be brought to justice.”

For now, the streets of Maphumulo are quieter, but the operation serves as a stark reminder of the high-risk battle police face in curbing CIT crime across the country.