30 gunshots at Tembisa

In the early hours of July 3, 2024, a violent cash-in-transit (CIT) heist occurred in the Liliba section of Tembisa, Gauteng, involving over 30 gunshots and resulting in significant property damage and injuries.

Incident Overview

Around 2:00 AM, a gang of armed individuals targeted a CIT vehicle in Tembisa’s Liliba section. The assailants used a BMW to ram into the armored vehicle, causing both vehicles to catch fire. The suspects fired multiple shots at the security guards, injuring one. Despite the aggressive assault, the perpetrators fled the scene without obtaining any cash. One injured suspect was apprehended at the scene and taken to a medical facility under police guard.

Property Damage and Community Impact

The force of the collision caused significant damage to nearby houses, including a collapsed wall and shattered windows. The incident prompted the closure of the road between New Road and Sam Molele Drive in the Liliba section, with motorists advised to use alternative routes.

Law Enforcement Response

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) responded swiftly to the scene. A Mercedes-Benz believed to have been used in the crime was found abandoned with a rifle inside. Another vehicle, also linked to the heist, was discovered in a yard in Tembisa. Authorities are actively searching for the remaining suspects.

Broader Context

This incident is part of a concerning trend of CIT heists in South Africa. In a separate event, six suspects involved in CIT robberies were shot dead by police in Laudium, Tshwane, highlighting the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating such crimes.

Conclusion

The attempted CIT robbery in Tembisa underscores the need for enhanced security measures and community vigilance. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.