Two Bystanders Killed in Dawn Park Cash-in-Transit Robbery on Barry Marais Road
Two bystanders were shot and killed during a cash-in-transit robbery that occurred at Barry Marais Road in Dawn Park, Gauteng, on Monday, with police reporting that a cash delivery vehicle was bumped from the back by a silver Mercedes-Benz causing it to capsize onto a Toyota Quantum taxi carrying seven occupants, leading to five injuries while a group of approximately eight assailants bombed the vehicle and fled with an undisclosed amount of money after exchanging gunshots with security officials, as investigations continue amid calls for public vigilance.
The Incident on Barry Marais Road
The brazen heist unfolded in broad daylight on Monday, 1 September 2025, turning a busy road into a scene of chaos and tragedy. According to Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the cash delivery vehicle was deliberately rammed from behind by a silver Mercedes-Benz, forcing it to overturn and crash into a Toyota Quantum taxi nearby. The taxi had seven people inside at the time. “Five of the occupants sustained injuries and were given medical treatment while the other two escaped with no injuries,” said Nevhuhulwi.
As the vehicle lay capsized, a group of about eight armed robbers moved in quickly. They used explosives to blow open the armoured truck, grabbing an undisclosed sum of money before making their getaway. During the robbery, security guards exchanged fire with the attackers, but the robbers managed to escape. Sadly, two innocent bystanders got caught in the crossfire and were declared dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released yet, pending notification of next of kin.
Witnesses described hearing loud bangs from the explosives and gunshots ringing out, sending people running for cover. The road was closed for several hours as emergency services treated the injured and police secured the area. Paramedics from various services rushed to help, stabilising the five hurt taxi passengers before taking them to nearby hospitals for further care. No updates on their conditions were available at the time, but none were life-threatening.
Police Response and Investigations
Police have launched a full investigation into the robbery, treating it as a priority case given the loss of life and the organised nature of the attack. Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the robbers used heavy firepower, including rifles, during the shootout with guards. No arrests have been made yet, but teams are following leads from CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence left at the scene.
This incident adds to the worrying trend of cash-in-transit heists in Gauteng, where over 100 such attacks happen each year, often with violence. Criminals target these vehicles for the large amounts of cash they carry, using tactics like ramming or explosives to access the safes. The province has seen a spike in these crimes in recent months, prompting special task teams to track syndicates involved.
Public Safety Advice from Police
In light of the dangers, police have urged the public to stay clear of such scenes. “The police urge the public not to approach scenes of cash-in-transit (robberies) and also not to try to pick up money blown from the cash vehicles,” said Nevhuhulwi. She explained that getting too close can put people at risk from explosions, gunfire, or even secondary accidents. Picking up scattered money is also illegal and can lead to charges.
Instead, Nevhuhulwi encouraged everyone to report suspicious activities right away. “The community should remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times and report any criminal activities on the SAPS Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111.” This anonymous tip line has helped solve many cases, and police rely on public eyes to spot unusual behaviour around cash vans or known hotspots.
Community Impact and Calls for Action
The robbery has left the Dawn Park community shaken, with residents worried about safety on local roads. Barry Marais Road is a key route for commuters and businesses, and incidents like this disrupt daily life while raising fears of more violence. Local leaders have called for increased police patrols and better lighting along the road to deter criminals.
Families of the deceased bystanders are grieving, with tributes pouring in on social media. The injured taxi passengers’ recovery will take time, adding to the human cost. Support groups have offered counselling to witnesses traumatised by the event.
As investigations continue, police promise regular updates. The focus now is on catching the culprits and preventing future attacks. With cash-in-transit heists costing the economy millions each year in losses and security upgrades, there’s a push for better tech like GPS trackers and armoured designs to make these vehicles harder targets.
This tragic event reminds everyone to stay alert and report anything suspicious, helping keep communities safe from such bold crimes.
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