A dramatic police operation in Laudium, Pretoria, on 24 February 2025, resulted in the deaths of six suspects, including well-known socialite Vicky Nyalunga, who was allegedly involved in a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist gang.
The operation began after police received a tip-off about a planned CIT robbery at Attlyn Mall in Atteridgeville.
Officers identified two vehicles believed to be involved in the heist and pursued them as they headed towards Laudium.
When the suspects refused to stop and opened fire on the police, a high-speed chase ensued, ending with a violent gun battle on Military Road.
The shootout resulted in the deaths of six suspects at the scene. One of the vehicles used in the robbery attempt was later confirmed as stolen from Clayville. Police also recovered several unlicensed firearms.
Nyalunga, known for his flashy lifestyle, had recently been seen on social media buying a R14,000 T-shirt in cash.
One of the suspects, 22-year-old Ayanda Nombebe from Khalankomo in the Eastern Cape, managed to escape during the chaos but was later found hiding in a nearby house and arrested.
Nombebe now faces serious charges, including six counts of murder, five counts of possession of unlicensed firearms, two counts of attempted murder of police officers, and conspiracy to commit robbery.
He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on 26 March 2025 for a regional court appearance.
