KRANSKOP, KwaZulu-Natal – A suspect who injured himself while setting up explosives during a cash-in-transit robbery at the Kranskop CBD on Monday was found dead inside an abandoned vehicle along a gravel road on Tuesday.

In what is described as a dramatic robbery, a cash-in-transit vehicle was robbed in the Kranskop CBD on Monday 13 April, with an undisclosed amount of money stolen and three security guards reportedly robbed of their firearms. During the incident, four vehicles were reportedly hijacked and used as getaway vehicles by the suspects. The suspects also fired shots towards a police station during the robbery.

On Tuesday 14 April, one of the suspects was found dead inside an abandoned vehicle along a gravel road near the Tugela River, towards Nkandla.

According to The Witness, the heist caused panic along the R74, and motorists and members of the public were urged to avoid the route due to the developing situation which occurred near the Kranskop police station. “It was terrifying. People ran for cover, whilst others stayed inside nearby shops,” one resident who was in the area at the time told The Witness.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion moments before a group of suspects rushed towards the targeted cash vehicle.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police spokesperson, said a manhunt for more suspects – believed to be at least 12 in number – is under way.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be relayed via the MySAPSApp.

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