In a dramatic and violent attempted cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery, one suspected criminal sustained life-altering injuries when an explosive device detonated prematurely during the botched heist. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 May, in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to eyewitnesses and initial police reports, a group of armed robbers launched a daring attack on a cash van, operated by security company Fidelity, using a silver BMW to ram into the front of the vehicle in an effort to force it to a stop. In the ensuing chaos, one of the suspects reportedly exited the vehicle carrying live explosives with the intention of blowing open the money truck.
However, the plan backfired tragically. The explosive device detonated before the suspect could move to a safe distance. As a result, the man suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of a leg and serious spinal damage. The blast’s force echoed throughout the neighborhood, startling residents and damaging nearby property, including shattering windows in several houses.
A bomb squad was later deployed to the scene to ensure there were no additional explosive devices left behind. Authorities cordoned off the area as forensic teams conducted investigations, while residents looked on, shocked by the morning’s terrifying events.
An anonymous source close to the investigation confirmed that the gang did not manage to steal any cash from the vehicle. “The suspects fled the scene quickly in multiple vehicles, taking their injured accomplice with them. Fortunately, no security personnel or bystanders were harmed, but the attackers escaped empty-handed,” the source stated.
Local residents who witnessed the incident described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One woman recounted being woken up by a series of loud bangs. “It sounded like war had broken out. I heard gunshots too, and I didn’t know whether to hide or run. It was horrifying,” she said. “The explosion was so powerful that some windows in our neighborhood shattered. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
In a dramatic and violent attempted cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery, one suspected criminal sustained life-altering injuries when an explosive device detonated prematurely during the botched heist. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 May, in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to eyewitnesses and initial police reports, a group of armed robbers launched a daring attack on a cash van, operated by security company Fidelity, using a silver BMW to ram into the front of the vehicle in an effort to force it to a stop. In the ensuing chaos, one of the suspects reportedly exited the vehicle carrying live explosives with the intention of blowing open the money truck.
However, the plan backfired tragically. The explosive device detonated before the suspect could move to a safe distance. As a result, the man suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of a leg and serious spinal damage. The blast’s force echoed throughout the neighborhood, startling residents and damaging nearby property, including shattering windows in several houses.
A bomb squad was later deployed to the scene to ensure there were no additional explosive devices left behind. Authorities cordoned off the area as forensic teams conducted investigations, while residents looked on, shocked by the morning’s terrifying events.
An anonymous source close to the investigation confirmed that the gang did not manage to steal any cash from the vehicle. “The suspects fled the scene quickly in multiple vehicles, taking their injured accomplice with them. Fortunately, no security personnel or bystanders were harmed, but the attackers escaped empty-handed,” the source stated.
Local residents who witnessed the incident described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One woman recounted being woken up by a series of loud bangs. “It sounded like war had broken out. I heard gunshots too, and I didn’t know whether to hide or run. It was horrifying,” she said. “The explosion was so powerful that some windows in our neighborhood shattered. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Despite the severity of the attack and the deployment of law enforcement shortly after the incident, no arrests have been made. The police have launched a full investigation and are working to identify and locate the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The event marks yet another disturbing incident in a string of violent CIT robberies plaguing the region. It has also reignited public concern over the safety of high-value transport operations and the increasing boldness of criminal syndicates.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
An anonymous source close to the investigation confirmed that the gang did not manage to steal any cash from the vehicle. “The suspects fled the scene quickly in multiple vehicles, taking their injured accomplice with them. Fortunately, no security personnel or bystanders were harmed, but the attackers escapempty-handed,” the source stated.
Local residents who witnessed the incident described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One woman recounted being woken up by a series of loud bangs. “It sounded like war had broken out. I heard gunshots too, and I didn’t know whether to hide or run. It was horrifying,” she said. “The explosion was so powerful that some windows in our neighborhood shattered. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Despite the severity of the attack and the deployment of law enforcement shortly after the incident, no arrests have been made. The police have launched a full investigation and are working to identify and locate the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The event marks yet another disturbing incident in a string of violent CIT robberies plaguing the region. It has also reignited public concern over the safety of high-value transport operations and the increasing boldness of criminal syndicates.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In a dramatic and violent attempted cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery, one suspected criminal sustained life-altering injuries when an explosive device detonated prematurely during the botched heist. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 May, in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Local residents who witnessed the incident described the scene as chaotic and terrifying. One woman recounted being woken up by a series of loud bangs. “It sounded like war had broken out. I heard gunshots too, and I didn’t know whether to hide or run. It was horrifying,” she said. “The explosion was so powerful that some windows in our neighborhood shattered. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
Despite the severity of the attack and the deployment of law enforcement shortly after the incident, no arrests have been made. The police have launched a full investigation and are working to identify and locate the suspects. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The event marks yet another disturbing incident in a string of violent CIT robberies plaguing the region. It has also reignited public concern over the safety of high-value transport operations and the increasing boldness of criminal syndicates.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In a dramatic and violent attempted cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery, one suspected criminal sustained life-altering injuries when an explosive device detonated prematurely during the botched heist. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Tuesday, 6 May, in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to eyewitnesses and initial police reports, a group of armed robbers launched a daring attack on a cash van, operated by security company Fidelity, using a silver BMW to ram into the front of the vehicle in an effort to force it to a stop. In the ensuing chaos, one of the suspects reportedly exited the vehicle carrying live explosives with the intention of blowing open the money truck.