A security guard was critically wounded in a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery that happened in uMlazi, south of Durban, this morning. The robbery took place in V Section at around 6am. According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the guard was shot in the lower body and was in a critical condition. He was stabilised at the scene by paramedics and rushed to a medical facility for further treatment. Police are investigating the incident and no arrests have been made yet.
This is the second CIT robbery in Durban in less than 24 hours. On Tuesday night, one person was killed and several others injured in a shooting in Russell Street. According to the SAPS, the cash-in-transit security guards had just collected money from a store when they were accosted by at least 10 armed suspects. A gunfight ensued between the security guards and the suspects, and one bystander was fatally wounded. The guards attempted to flee, but the suspects gave chase and continued to shoot towards the money truck.
During the chase, the cash truck veered off the road and crashed into eight street vendors, who sustained minor injuries. One security guard was robbed of his rifle. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects. Cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies are a major problem in South Africa.
In 2022, there were over 200 CIT robberies reported, resulting in millions of rands in losses. CIT robberies often involve a high degree of planning and coordination. The criminals will typically target a specific vehicle and time their robbery to coincide with low traffic levels. They may also use explosives to disable the vehicle or to gain access to the cash.
The recent spate of CIT robberies has raised concerns about security in Durban. Police have urged businesses and citizens to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.