A gunfight broke out between a squad of SAPS officers and a group of Cash-In-Transit
criminals in Witbank Monday evening, June 26, at 18:30.

The allegation claims that security officers travelling in a cash van along Witbank’s Kriel
Road were ambushed by a group of roughly 20 highly armed individuals. According to
additional reports, the suspects were travelling in a convoy that included a white Toyota
Hilux, three Ford Rangers—two silver and one white—and two silver Ford Rangers.

They forcefully stopped the cash van and after subjecting the guards at gunpoint, they
detonated some explosives and managed to open one of the cash boxes inside the van.

Members of Witbank Visible Policing were on patrol in the area to deal with any
potential criminal threats. As a result, members responded quickly and within minutes
after realizing that the guards were being attacked.

The men and women in Blue were forced into a lengthy shootout with the suspects after
arriving on the scene. When the suspects understood that the members were not giving
up, the engagement became too difficult for them. They had no choice except to drive
away from the scene. According to reports, no SAPS officers were hurt in the shooting.

Later on, it was learnt that a security officer inside the van was seriously injured when
suspects detonated some explosives inside the cash van. He was taken to the hospital
for medical treatment.

Police are investigating the situation right now, and it appears that the culprits were
unsuccessful in their goal. A (Cash-In-Transit) robbery case has been initiated with an
additional count of attempted murder and a violation of the South African Explosives
Act.

No one has been arrested so far however police urge anyone with information that may
assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111
or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as
confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.