Rustenburg Cash-in-Transit Robbery: SAPS Launches 72-Hour Manhunt After Explosive Heist
Explosions, Gunfire and a Daring Escape: Massive Cash-in-Transit Heist Triggers 72-Hour Police Hunt in Rustenburg
A routine Friday morning commute in Rustenburg was shattered by explosions, heavy gunfire and scenes of chaos after a heavily armed gang staged a brazen cash-in-transit robbery that has now sparked an intensive 72-hour police manhunt.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has mobilised some of its most specialised investigative and operational units following the dramatic heist, which unfolded at approximately 08:15 on Friday at the Olympia Park traffic circle behind Rustenburg Mall in the Bojanala Sub-District 2 policing area in North West.
According to North West SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, preliminary investigations indicate that the cash-in-transit vehicle was deliberately rammed by a white Audi as it approached the traffic circle, setting in motion a carefully coordinated attack.
Moments later, an estimated 10 armed suspects unleashed a barrage of gunfire on the armoured vehicle before using explosives to blast open the cash compartment.
The three security officers travelling in the vehicle sustained minor injuries during the collision. The suspects allegedly disarmed the officers of their service firearms and escorted them away from the vehicle before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The gang then fled the scene in several vehicles, disappearing before police could intercept them.
As the violent robbery unfolded, innocent motorists were caught in the crossfire.
A tow truck driver travelling near the scene was reportedly struck by a stray bullet. Despite being wounded, he managed to drive himself to a nearby medical facility, where he received treatment.
The scale and sophistication of the attack prompted SAPS to immediately activate its 72-hour mobilisation plan, a strategy designed to maximise investigative capacity during the critical early stages of major crimes.
A multidisciplinary team has since been assembled to track down those responsible. The operation includes members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), the Tactical Response Team (TRT), the Explosives Unit, detectives, the Visible Crime Intelligence Unit (VCIU), Crime Intelligence, the SAPS Air Wing, drone operators and private security partners.
Investigators are now working to establish the full sequence of events, identify the suspects and recover the stolen cash.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The latest robbery adds to ongoing concerns over the persistence of cash-in-transit attacks in South Africa, where criminal syndicates continue to employ military-style tactics, high-powered firearms and explosives in carefully planned operations that place both security personnel and members of the public at serious risk.
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward as the search for the suspects intensifies.
