“New Kasi Journalist”: Brave Woman Captures Chaotic Scene of the CIT Robbery in Thembisa, SA Stunned

• A content creator was forced to abandon her live broadcast after gunshots rang out during an attempted cash-in-transit robbery in Thembisa
• The video shared on TikTok left viewers feeling terrified for her safety as she and other bystanders scrambled for cover in the middle of reporting
• Social media users were positive regardless of her bravery, with many users suggesting she has a future in journalism
• Briefly News spoke with Jessica to get a view of the Thembisa scene since she was among the people who witnessed the dramatic scene

A Johannesburg influencer’s attempt to document a high-stakes crime scene turned into a fight for survival when she caught the sounds of an active shootout live.

The clips were shared on TikTok by @miiss.jessica on 23 April 2026, where they gained massive engagement. Social media users commented on the incident, her safety and her news reporting skills.

Read also

"SIU on its way": SA girl gifted Lamborghini worth R6m for 30th birthday by Nigerian man, SA stunned

While still recording live on site, reporting the Thembisa cash heist attempt, the influencer and those around her heard gunshots, which prompted them to all run in fear for their safety. A second video TikTok user @miiss.jessica showed a car, which allegedly belonged to the robbers, in flames, followed by the arrival of the police to the scene.

The Thembisa cash-in-transit robbery

A Facebook account, Beast of News, reported that the cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery took place on the morning of 23 April 2026 in Moriting Section, Tembisa, near a Shell garage. They added that a car was later set alight at the scene. It is further alleged that the incident was a coordinated robbery, and at this point, there hasn't been any information about the cash-in-transit van or the robbers.

Watch the TikTok videos below:

Witnessing a cash-in-transit attempt in Thembisa

Briefly News spoke with Jessica, the young lady who reported live on the scene. We asked what her first thought was when she was approaching the scene. She explained:

“In the early hours around 09h30, I heard intense gunshots from my house, and I was curious about what was happening outside, so I went out to check. I was met with people saying there’s been a heist. Knowing that I love being up to date with everything that’s happening around me, I decided to go and find out. I went to the Moriting Section where the incident took place, which is not far from where I stay. Upon my arrival at the scene, there was a huge crowd. And some of the police officials were there.

Read also

Emmarentia road rage: Experts call on South Africans to stop sharing video of incident

The team asked if there were any people injured. She shared:

“Yes, there were. Two izicash security guards got shot and injured in the legs as they exchanged gunfire with the suspects. The guards were then taken to the hospital. One suspect has been shot and killed, while another got injured and hospitalised under police guard, and another is on the run following a task team operation at Klipfontein. Two community members were also hospitalised as they got injured during the crossfire incident.”

When asked if any of the suspects managed to get away with the money. The aspiring reporter said:

“No money was taken, only a Mercedes-Benz was set alight as it was used to block the cash van.”

SA reacts to the cash-in-transit information

The clip went viral, gaining massive views, likes and comments from social media users who were shocked by the incident, but were impressed by her reporting skills. Many viewers told her she had a great career in journalism and urged her to consider it, saying she was a natural. Some were interested to know if the robbers managed to get the money and if there were any arrests. Others wished the creator well after hearing gunshots and called her brave. They said they would not have gotten closer to the scene, especially if the suspects were still around the area.

Read also

"It's my turn, bafazi": Young woman celebrates building her own rooms at home, SA impressed

User @Cheeks⁷🇿🇦💜🚩 said:

"You have a future in camera work because your hand was steady."

User @Jaresh012 added:

"You are independent and impartial 😭."

User @💸💰🅿️🆎L🅾️ E💰☪️🅾️🅱️ER💎 asked:

"Did they get it, or did they arrest anyone?"

User @Tinyiko_hazel shared:

"😂New kasi journalist, I love you."

User @P H U M U commented:

"It’s my first time seeing her, and we share the same character 🤣. We’re so unserious when we are in serious situations😫😂."

User @figo said:

"You just made my day, sis. I hope you are safe and have a great career in journalism."

User @Toni Skai added:

"You're brave, shame🤞🏽🙆‍♀️."

3 Briefly News township-related articles

• A man shared a powerful video advising financially able residents to leave the township, arguing that the environment often praises gangsterism and alcohol abuse.
• A young South African woman from ekasi working in America shared a video tour of her CEO's mansion after being invited for lunch, comparing the reality to a dream.
• A viral video captured a group of men attempting to relocate a massive shack by carrying it down a township's public road and causing chaos.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News