Durban shootout: Three killed, identified as cash-in-transit robbers
Durban shootout: Three killed, identified as cash-in-transit robbers! Three men killed in a shootout with police in Reservoir Hills, Durban, on Friday have been identified as wanted cash-in-transit robbers.
The men, who were part of a larger criminal network, had been on the run for years, with police linking them to multiple heists dating back to 2021.
Botched House Robbery Ends in Deadly Gunfight
According to authorities, the fatal encounter took place when the suspects were en route to rob a house in Reservoir Hills. Police intercepted them, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire.
Durban shootout
Durban shootout
“This is a multi-disciplinary operation, and the Hawks are part of these operations,” police spokesperson Jay Naicker explained.
He further confirmed that the three suspects had been on law enforcement’s radar for years.
“Investigators have told us that these three individuals were sought for cash-in-transit robberies going back as far as 2021. It seems they are specialising in cash-in-transit [heists].”
Reservoir Hills police shootout
Shootout Leaves Two Officers Injured
The confrontation quickly escalated, with the suspects opening fire on police officers. This led to a fierce gun battle, in which the three criminals were fatally shot.
During the exchange, two police officers sustained gunshot wounds. Authorities have not yet provided further details on their condition, but they are reportedly receiving medical treatment.
The Rise of Cash-in-Transit Heists in KZN
This incident is part of a larger crime trend in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where cash-in-transit heists have surged in recent years.
According to the latest crime statistics, KZN leads the country in the number of reported cash-in-transit robberies over the past three months. These heists have become increasingly violent, with criminal groups using heavy firepower and explosives to target security vans.
Reservoir Hills police shootout
In a separate incident earlier on Friday, another cash-in-transit heist occurred in Pietermaritzburg, where armed criminals bombed an armored vehicle on Edendale Road.
Crackdown on Cash-in-Transit Syndicates
Law enforcement agencies, including the Hawks, have intensified operations to track down and dismantle criminal syndicates involved in cash-in-transit heists.
Authorities believe that Friday’s shootout is a breakthrough, as the deceased suspects were linked to multiple high-profile heists. However, police are still searching for other members of the syndicate, who remain at large.
The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to these crimes, as they continue their investigations.
Reservoir Hills police shootout
Conclusion
The violent Reservoir Hills shootout serves as yet another reminder of the escalating crime levels in KZN, particularly in relation to cash-in-transit heists. While law enforcement continues to crack down on these criminal networks, the battle against organized crime is far from over.
For now, police remain on high alert, determined to bring the remaining criminals to justice and ensure the safety of citizens and security personnel alike.
