KZN SAPS Launch Manhunt for 15 Armed Men, Suspects Flee With Cash and Firearms After CIT Heist
- A cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle was targeted by approximately 15 men on 18 August 2025 in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
- Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to the scene of the crime and found the vehicle on fire following the attack
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the latest CIT heist, suggesting what needed to be done to prevent more cases
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Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – A manhunt has been launched for at least 15 heavily armed suspects who made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and firearms from a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist.
The heist happened before 10 am on Monday, 18 August 2025, on Vincent Dickenson Road in Cottonlands, Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). No injuries were reported in the attack.
Suspects had high-calibre firearms
According to Prem Balram, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) spokesperson, the suspects opened fire on the CIT vehicle with high-calibre weapons. RUSA officers, who rushed out to the scene after receiving numerous calls about a robbery in progress, found the vehicle on fire upon arrival.
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The security officers then told them that approximately 15 heavily armed suspects opened fire on the CIT truck with high-calibre weapons.
“The suspects thereafter stole two rifles and a handgun. Explosives were detonated, and cash from the rear of the truck was removed,” Balram said.
He stated that the suspects then fled the scene in a white Isuzu D Max and a white NP200. They were spotted heading in the direction of Ndwedwe.
South Africans weigh in on latest CIT heist
With the country being no stranger to CIT heists, social media users weighed in on what needs to be done to curb the crime trend. Others speculated whether it could be an inside job.
Barry Kleynhans suggested:
“Companies must go back to using escort vehicles for the cash carriers. It worked back then.”
Siphosethu Kenke stated:
“A lie detector is needed. Lana, this is an inside job.”
Celani Nkonyane said:
“I'm failing to understand why these G4S cash vans are not escorted just like SBV. You can't be doing things the same way but expect different results.”
Jay Padayachee added:
“A cheap and easy way is to insert dye packages in all cash boxes to be detonated remotely if the van brakes violently or has any impact at all. All that inked money should be useless, hopefully.”
Coaster Mk Villa asked:
“Why don't they escort them like they did to the coins transit?”
Mluleki Ndlela suggested:
“These cars must be escorted by five vehicles with 20 heavily armed guards.”
Rico Jacob stated:
“CIT companies, wake up. These vehicles should be supported by unmarked vehicles, heavily armed, why not?”
Mzilankatha Ncube said:
“Inside job, always.”
Jay Ganasen added:
“These are not armoured vehicles. They are easy targets for criminals. I guess the money is insured, so they don't care. The CIT guards are sitting ducks.”
Other stories of CIT suspects escaping
Briefly News reported that there have been a few times in 2025 when CIT heist suspects were able to escape.
In February, at least one person was killed as a gang of armed men opened fire randomly while escaping from the scene of a heist.
On 1 April, police launched a manhunt for suspects who robbed a CIT vehicle on the M25 in KwaMashu.
On 5 August, police were on the hunt for suspects who pulled off a CIT heist in Duduza, Ekurhuleni.
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