Two suspected cash-in-transit thieves were killed in a shootout with police in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal, early Sunday morning. Police believe the men were foreign nationals who had traveled from Johannesburg to carry out a robbery.
A specialized police unit, which was investigating a series of recent armed robberies in the province, had the suspects under surveillance. Officers followed them to a hideout in the B Section of KwaMashu and launched an operation based on intelligence.
According to police, the suspects immediately opened fire as officers arrived. One police officer was wounded in the exchange. Police returned fire, killing both suspects at the scene.
The injured officer was taken to a nearby hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Authorities praised his bravery and the quick medical response that prevented his injuries from becoming life-threatening.
BREAKING NEWS | An SAPS constable and his brother have been
linked to the suspects who were shot dead in KwaMashu this morning.They have both since been arrested.
Two vehicles – including one used to drop off the two suspects here – were seized.
The second had been stolen… https://t.co/XZUDxeDGXu pic.twitter.com/gm5WsXoYtn
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) September 1, 2025
Preliminary investigations suggest the two men came from Johannesburg to commit a planned cash theft in KwaZulu-Natal. Police believe their operation was part of a larger syndicate targeting financial institutions and security companies.
Police recovered firearms and ammunition from the scene. The weapons will undergo ballistic testing to see if they were used in other violent crimes across the country.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi praised the police team for preventing a potential robbery that could have resulted in civilian deaths. He stated that the incident was a relief as no innocent bystanders were harmed.
The shootout has highlighted concerns about organized cross-border crime and the dangers police face when confronting armed suspects. Some KwaMashu residents have expressed worries about criminal activities linked to outsiders using the area as a base.
Police say their investigation into the broader syndicate is continuing and further arrests are expected.