A violent cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery on the R510 road between Rustenburg and Northam has left one man dead after he was allegedly shot while attempting to assist the robbers. The dramatic incident unfolded on Friday afternoon, 19 December 2025, near Dikweipi 2, just outside Mogwase, and has sparked concern over the growing boldness of organised crime in the area.
According to police reports, the robbery occurred at approximately 17:15 when a cash-in-transit vehicle was travelling from Northam to Rustenburg. While en route, the security team encountered a burning vehicle deliberately placed across the road, blocking their path. Initially, the guards believed the obstruction might be linked to a community protest, a tactic increasingly used by criminals to lure vehicles into vulnerable positions.
In an attempt to avoid potential danger, the driver decided to divert the vehicle through Dikweipi Village. However, as the cash-in-transit van prepared to take the detour, it was ambushed by a group of heavily armed suspects. The attackers opened fire on the vehicle, injuring the driver and forcing the security personnel into a defensive position.
During the intense exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects managed to disarm a security officer, stealing his 9mm pistol along with ammunition. The attackers then escalated the robbery by planting explosives on the cash-in-transit van. Moments later, the vehicle was destroyed in a powerful blast, allowing the suspects access to the cash stored inside.
Police said the suspects were travelling in a Toyota GD6 and a Toyota Fortuner. After the explosion, they began loading money from the damaged van into their vehicles. It was at this stage that an unidentified man allegedly approached the suspects and attempted to assist them by picking up cash from the scene.
Tragically, the man was shot dead by one of the robbers during this process. He died at the scene before emergency services could intervene. The motive behind his actions remains unclear, and it is not yet known whether he was part of the robbery plot or acted opportunistically.
The deceased has not been formally identified, and police are currently working to trace his next of kin. His body has been taken for post-mortem examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
At this stage, no arrests have been made. Law enforcement agencies have launched a full-scale investigation into the cash-in-transit robbery and the murder. Police are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could assist in identifying the suspects to come foforward.m
Cash-in-transit robberies remain a serious concern across the country, often involving military-style planning and high-powered weapons. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating organised crime and ensuring those responsible for this deadly attack are brought to justice.
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