News24 | KZN police lunch manhunt for 12 gunmen after CIT van blown up, robbed

A gang of 12 gunmen blew up a cash-in-transit vehicle in Pietermaritzburg.

• A gang of 12 gunmen used explosives to blow up a cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle in Pietermaritzburg.
• One of their getaway vehicles was also torched, presumably to destroy evidence.
• A shootout between the suspects and dRK Tactical Unit officers left one guard wounded.

A massive manhunt is under way for 12 people who blew up a cash-in-transit (CIT) vehicle in Murray Road, Pietermaritzburg, on Wednesday night.

According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a security guard sustained multiple gunshot wounds during the incident and was taken to a hospital.

The gunmen reportedly made off with two firearms and ammunition, according to police.

Private security company, dRK Tactical Response, said one of its units was returning to base via Murray and Oribi Road when the team came across a CIT robbery in progress.

READ | Two suspected robbers killed in substation blast in Durban

It said the scene was chaotic and that multiple gunshots were fired.

“In response, the tactical unit returned fire in self-defence and immediately called for backup,” it said.

“One CIT security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the second occupant was found disoriented and traumatised. Both individuals were stabilised on the scene and later transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment,” dRK Tactical Response said.

The private security company said preliminary investigations, conducted in coordination with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other role players, revealed that the suspects were believed to be travelling in three to four vehicles and were heavily armed, including with AK-47 rifles.

READ | Three CIT robbery suspects killed in shootouts with KZN police

It said explosives were used to blow up the cash-in-transit vehicle to access the money inside, as well as one of the gunmen’s getaway vehicles, presumably to destroy evidence.

Further alerts led officers to a reported shooting at Sleungspurt Car Wash.

However, by the time police units arrived there, the gunmen had already fled in the direction of the R56, after making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.