Two bystanders were shot and killed during a Boksburg cash-in-transit robbery in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, police confirmed.
What happened in Boksburg
The attack took place on Barry Marais Road, when armed suspects targeted a cash van transporting money.
According to police, a silver Mercedes-Benz rammed the cash van, forcing it to overturn onto a minibus taxi carrying seven passengers. Five passengers were injured and treated for their wounds, while two others escaped unharmed.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said gunfire broke out between the suspects and a nearby security company. During the exchange of bullets, two bystanders who were not part of the robbery were struck and killed.
“Gunshots were in the process fired between the suspects and the security company that was nearby. Two bystanders were caught in the crossfire and have been declared dead. Police investigations are underway,” Nevhuhulwi said.
The suspects then used explosives to blow open the cash van, stealing an undisclosed amount of money before fleeing.
Public seen taking leftover cash
Eyewitnesses reported that after the robbery, some members of the public ran to the scene and helped themselves to money left behind.
Police have warned that taking money from a crime scene is a criminal offence and can result in prosecution.
Residents of nearby Dawn Park were urged to remain indoors and lock their gates, as the suspects are still at large.
Cash-in-transit statistics in South Africa
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for January to March 2025, there were 35 cash-in-transit robberies nationwide, down from 40 cases in the same period in 2024.
The provincial breakdown shows Gauteng had 13 cases, the highest in the country, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 12. Other provinces recorded much lower numbers, with some reporting zero cases.
While the overall number is lower than the previous year, Gauteng continues to be a hotspot for these attacks.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the gang of eight suspects believed to be behind the Boksburg cash-in-transit robbery. Investigators are also looking into reports of community members taking cash from the scene.
Police have appealed to the public for information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
