Police fatally shot five suspects during a confrontation at Crown Mines, Johannesburg, on Thursday, 24 July 2025.
The incident followed a high-speed chase and shoot-out linked to a planned cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, officers acted on intelligence regarding a planned CIT robbery in Johannesburg.
Police Intercept Suspects on M1/M2
The suspects’ vehicle was spotted near the M1/M2 highway split. Upon noticing the police, the suspects sped off, prompting a chase. A gun battle ensued when the suspects opened fire.
The chase ended when the suspects’ vehicle crashed into a palisade fence.
Police shot all five suspects, and they were declared dead at the scene.
Vehicle Tied to Earlier Heist and Murder
Preliminary investigations found that the suspects used the same vehicle in a cash-in-transit robbery and murder in Kingsley, KwaZulu-Natal, on 14 July 2025.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and explosives from inside the car.
Joint Police Effort Praised
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, praised the swift and coordinated action by various law enforcement agencies.
The operation involved the National Counter-Intelligence Unit, Tactical Response Teams from Gauteng and KZN, the Hawks (DPCI), Gauteng Traffic, and private security firms.
“These collaborative efforts are yielding success and should send a strong message to criminals that police will not repose and will continue to deal decisively with criminal issues,” Mthombeni said.
Public Urged to Assist
The police have urged the public to report criminal activity by contacting the Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111 or submitting anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS app.
Are police doing enough to prevent violent cash-in-transit heists before they escalate?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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