Two security guards were shot and injured, one critically, in a cash-in-transit-heist on the N2 southbound near the NPC factory on Wednesday morning.
Image: ALS Paramedics
Chaos unfolded on the N2 southbound near the NPC Cement Factory, located south of Durban, shortly after 5.30 am on Wednesday morning. A cash-in-transit robbery turned violent as gunmen ambushed a cash van, shooting two security guards multiple times before detonating explosives to destroy the vehicle, The Mercury reported.
According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, emergency teams received a flurry of calls reporting gunfire and a suspected explosion on the busy freeway. “Just after 5.30 am this morning, ALS paramedics responded to multiple calls of gunshots and what is believed to be an explosion on the N2 southbound near the NPC Cement Factory,” Jamieson said.
Upon their arrival at the scene, paramedics, accompanied by the police, discovered the aftermath of a brazen cash-in-transit heist. “They found that both security officials were shot multiple times before the vehicle was apparently bombed,” Jamieson recounted.
Emergency responders found two wounded officers. One was in critical condition and transported by helicopter to the nearest hospital. “The second security officer had sustained serious gunshot wounds and was stabilised on scene by advanced life support paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital,” Jamieson explained.
The violent ambush and subsequent explosion resulted in significant traffic disruptions, leading local authorities to close a considerable stretch of the N2. “The N2 southbound has been closed by NPC and will be closed for quite some time to allow investigators to investigate this incident. I’d advise motorists to avoid this area at all costs,” Jamieson cautioned.
In a further advisory, Durban Metro Police urged motorists to steer clear of the area impacted by this active crime scene. “Motorists are advised to stay clear of the N2 South between Edwin Swales (Solomon Mahlangu) Drive and M1 Higginson due to an active crime scene,” the metro police stated. “The road is currently closed while law enforcement agencies attend to the incident. Please use alternative routes.”
The incident adds to the growing concerns around cash-in-transit robberies in South Africa, raising questions about security measures in place to protect both cash transport vehicles and their personnel. As police continue their investigation, the community watches closely, hoping for swift action against those responsible for this morning's brazen attack.
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