Armed Robbers Strike in Daring Cash-in-Transit Heist in Ndwedwe, North of Durban
Armed robbers struck in a daring cash-in-transit heist in Ndwedwe, north of Durban, on Monday morning, where at least 15 suspects disarmed security guards, stole firearms and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene, prompting a massive police manhunt in the remote rural area.
The brazen robbery unfolded in the secluded rural community of Ndwedwe, specifically along the P100 route between Verulam and Ndwedwe, near Cottonlands on Vincent Dickenson Road. This isolated spot, characterised by sparse homes and vast open spaces, provided the perfect backdrop for the criminals to execute their plan without immediate interference. The incident, which occurred around 9:20am on 18 August 2025, saw a group of heavily armed suspects ambush a cash-in-transit vehicle, opening fire with high-calibre weapons and detonating explosives to gain access to the truck’s rear compartment. Witnesses reported hearing gunfire and explosions, with the vehicle left smoking and on fire at the scene, requiring emergency services to douse the flames.
According to initial reports from the scene, the suspects—numbering at least 15—overpowered the security guards inside the armoured van, disarming them without causing injuries to the crew. They made off with two rifles, one pistol, and an undisclosed sum of cash, despite early suggestions that the heist might have been thwarted. The robbers fled in two vehicles: a white Isuzu D-Max bakkie and a white Nissan NP200, heading in the direction of Ndwedwe. No bystanders were reported injured, and the security guards escaped unharmed, though traumatised by the ordeal.
Private security companies and police were alerted shortly after 9:00am, with Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers among the first to respond after receiving multiple calls from the public about the robbery in progress. RUSA spokesperson Prem Balram confirmed the details, noting the use of explosives and the theft of cash and weapons. KwaZulu-Natal police have launched a manhunt for the suspects, believed to number around 14 after initial accounts, with the operation still underway as of late afternoon. No arrests have been made yet, but authorities are combing the area and appealing for public assistance. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has closed sections of the P100 for investigations, urging motorists to avoid the route.
This heist adds to the growing concern over cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies in KwaZulu-Natal, a province plagued by such crimes. In 2024 alone, more than 200 CIT incidents were recorded nationwide, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for the lion’s share at about 27%, followed by Gauteng at 25% and the Eastern Cape at 21%. Police in the province have expressed deep worry about the trend but highlighted recent inroads in prevention efforts, including increased patrols and intelligence operations. Despite these measures, the sophistication of the attacks—often involving high-powered rifles, explosives, and coordinated escapes—continues to challenge law enforcement.
Emergency services, including KZN VIP Protection Services, were on site to manage the aftermath, with contact details shared for anyone with information: 031 502 3456 or info@kznvip.co.za.
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