Police Investigate Attempted CIT Robbery on N4 Near Kanyamazane
Police in Mbombela are investigating an attempted cash in transit robbery after a security vehicle transporting cash was targeted on Saturday along the N4 road near the Kanyamazane turn off.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a group of assailants in multiple vehicles attempted to ram into the cash delivery van. However, the alert security officers managed to evade the attack and prevent any cash from being stolen.
The security team, employed by a cash solutions company, was transporting money from Malelane towards Mbombela when they were ambushed.
Reports indicate that several vehicles, including a grey Toyota Fortuner, a white Ford Ranger with Gauteng registration plates, a Toyota Hilux GD6, and a white Mercedes Benz, suddenly appeared.
The driver of the cash van became suspicious when the Mercedes Benz ahead of them abruptly slowed down, prompting him to overtake.
Moments later, the same vehicle accelerated from behind at high speed. Sensing danger, the driver skillfully swerved into the opposite lane, facing oncoming traffic, to avoid an attack. The Mercedes Benz only managed to cause a minor scratch on the side of the van.
“The Ford Ranger persisted and came after the cash van at high speed. However, the driver of the cash van drove even faster until he reached his destination in Mbombela, leaving the rest of the vehicles behind,” Mdhluli explained.
Another security vehicle was reportedly escorting the cash van but managed to escape unharmed.
Upon arriving at the scene, police found the Mercedes Benz C Class abandoned and on fire, with its number plates removed. The suspects had fled, and no injuries were reported.
Authorities are now searching for the perpetrators and have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or submit a tip via the My SAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi reaffirmed that law enforcement agencies in Mpumalanga are working strategically to combat cash in transit heists in the province.