Five dead after cash-in-transit heist ends in police shootout in Gqeberha - News24

Five suspects are dead following a brazen cash-in-transit robbery and subsequent high-speed pursuit that ended in a deadly exchange of gunfire in Gqeberha on Monday.

The Eastern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, confirmed the incident, which unfolded near Nates Scrap Metal in Sidwell.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana said an IziCash Solutions security vehicle was allegedly targeted by a group of armed suspects.

According to the Hawks, the IziCash Solutions vehicle was allegedly ambushed by armed suspects in what appeared to have been a planned operation.

Two firearms belonging to the security guards were taken during the robbery.

No security personnel were injured in the initial attack.

Police responded swiftly and reportedly identified vehicles believed to be connected to the robbery.

“A subsequent pursuit ensued, during which the suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, resulting in an exchange of gunfire,” Mhlakuvana said in a statement.

When the smoke cleared, five suspects had sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

No police officials or security guards were injured during the confrontation.

Other suspects, however, managed to evade capture, fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Hawks said the investigation was ongoing and that further details would be released as verified information became available.

The incident adds to growing concerns about cash-in-transit robberies in the Eastern Cape, which have surged in frequency and brazenness in recent years.

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