In a dramatic shootout with police on Tuesday morning, two suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers were shot dead in Phoenix. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS, confirmed the incident and provided details of the events leading up to the confrontation.
“These men were involved in a cash-in-transit robbery on Monday,” Colonel Netshiunda said.
“A multidisciplinary police team, that included officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), known as the Hawks, the Provincial Tracking and Tracing Team, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), and the K9 Unit, were actively searching for the suspects after the robbery in Kranskop.”
The search extended through the night, culminating early Tuesday when the suspects were spotted in Bhamshela, Tongaat.
“After an extensive search, the suspects were located, and despite police instructions to stop, a high-speed chase ensued,” explained Colonel Netshiunda.
In the aftermath of the shootout, police recovered three rifles, a pistol, several rounds of ammunition, and an undisclosed amount of money from the suspects.
“One suspect was later arrested at a block of flats, suffering from gunshot wounds,” Colonel ]Netshiunda reported. “The search for the remaining suspects continues, with police tracking blood stains into nearby bushes.”
Despite the intensity of the shootout, no police officers were injured, although a police vehicle was heavily damaged by gunfire. Authorities have alerted nearby hospitals and medical centres to report any patients presenting with gunshot wounds.
Colonel Netshiunda urged the public to help find the fugitives. “Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects who escaped is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111,” he said.
