On Friday morning at around 09:00, a gang of robbers targeted a cash-in-transit vehicle in Diepsloot. As the Johannesburg metro police department (JMPD) arrived at the scene, the robbers opened fire. Fortunately, no officers were harmed in the incident.
The cash-in-transit van was attacked near William Nicol Drive
Police preliminary investigations indicate that the G4S van was attacked as it was delivering money at several ATMs.
“A G4S cash van crew was in Diepsloot to drop off cash at several ATMs when a Blue Mercedes Benz fitted with false number plates rammed into it near William Nicol Drive,” says Athelanda Mathe from the national police.
“The victims managed to drive away but were later cornered by the same suspects on the R511 and R562. They were shot at by the accomplices who were armed with rifles.
“The G4S vehicle was later bombed with explosives and an undisclosed amount of money was taken. Three firearms belonging to the victims were also stolen.”
It was further confirmed that the Mercedes Benz used by the robbers was reported stolen in June 2021.
Metro police acted quickly
Xolani Fihla, a JMPD spokesperson, says that the officers the robbers as soon as the cash-in-transit van was targeted.
“The details of the incident are still being investigated as SAPS are processing the scene. But we can confirm that JMPD officers came across the incident whilst in progress and their vehicle was shot at by the perpetrators. Fortunately, none of the officers were injured.”
The driver of the cash-in-transit van and his crew were taken to hospital and are being treated for shock.
No arrests have been made thus far, and Mathe assures that a manhunt has been launched for the unknown number of suspects.