A planned cash-in-transit robbery was thwarted in KwaMashu, north of Durban, when police fatally shot two suspected robbers from Johannesburg in an early morning confrontation. The incident led to the arrest of a serving police constable and his brother for their alleged involvement in orchestrating the attempted heist.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a multi-unit task force including the Hawks and Crime Intelligence apprehended the suspects around 6:30 AM on Tuesday after the men exited a stolen vehicle and opened fire on officers.
“Our teams acted in self-defence after being met with heavy gunfire,” Netshiunda stated. “Preliminary investigations indicate these individuals were experienced cash-in-transit robbers brought from Johannesburg specifically for this operation.”
The investigation took a dramatic turn when authorities identified and arrested a Durban-based police constable with 12 years of service who allegedly masterminded the plot. The officer, whose name remains withheld pending formal charges, reportedly provided insider knowledge of cash transport routes and vehicles.
His brother, a civilian with no prior criminal record, was also arrested and faces charges related to the operation. During searches, police recovered two vehicles, including one reported stolen from Cato Manor days earlier.
The case highlights South Africa’s ongoing struggle with cash-in-transit robberies, with over 200 such incidents recorded in 2024 alone. Security experts note these crimes are typically orchestrated by sophisticated networks that often include corrupt insiders from both private security firms and law enforcement.
Both suspects appeared briefly in Durban Magistrate’s Court where bail was denied due to concerns they might flee. Prosecutors are reviewing phone records and surveillance footage as the investigation continues.
National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola announced an internal audit to root out corruption within police ranks, stating “No one is above the law – not even our own.”
The incident has drawn mixed reactions from KwaMashu residents, with some praising police for preventing another robbery while others expressed concern about police corruption undermining community trust.
Authorities have appealed to the public for any information related to cash-in-transit criminal networks operating across provincial lines.