In a decisive early-morning operation, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police have shot dead two suspected armed robbers linked to a series of cash-in-transit heists, marking another bold strike against organized crime in the province. The takedown occurred in a residential complex in Waterfall, where the suspects, wanted for multiple heists, allegedly opened fire on officers, prompting a swift and lethal response.
Group of uniformed police officers in blue shirts and pants, some wearing caps, standing and talking on a driveway near cars and a building entrance, with one officer in a red vest, surrounded by greenery and pavement.
According to a breaking news report by eNCA journalist Dasen Thathiah, the operation unfolded shortly before dawn, with KZN police, led by Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, acting on precise intelligence. The suspects were located in a unit where authorities recovered guns and explosives, underscoring the severity of the threat they posed. “The men were wanted for cash-in-transit heists, and their resistance left our officers with no choice but to neutralize them,” a police source stated.
Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi, a veteran officer known for his hands-on approach since taking the KZN commissioner role in 2023, is scheduled to provide further details on the operation during a live broadcast on eNCA’s DStv403 channel later today. His leadership has been characterized by aggressive campaigns against organized crime, earning him widespread public support. Images from the scene show the commissioner engaging with officers and local authorities, reinforcing his reputation as a field-oriented leader. This follows a similar takedown in Estcourt, suggesting a coordinated effort to dismantle armed robbery syndicates plaguing the region.
KZN has seen a surge in cash-in-transit heists, with recent statistics indicating the province leads the country in such crimes over the past three months. Despite national concerns over police trust, as noted in a 2023 study by The Conversation, Mkhwanazi’s proactive stance appears to resonate locally. The recovered arsenal will undergo forensic analysis, and investigations continue to identify potential accomplices.
As the province grapples with crime, today’s operation stands as a testament to KZN’s intensified law enforcement efforts, with Mkhwanazi’s upcoming address expected to shed light on the broader strategy against these criminal networks.
