Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers have been killed in a shootout with police and private security near Umlazi Mega City in Durban. Two security guards were injured, while a manhunt is under way for other suspected participants.
Three suspected cash-in-transit robbers have been killed following a reported cash-in-transit heist and shootout near Umlazi Mega City in southern Durban on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
The incident involved the reported bombing of a security vehicle near the M4 Southern Freeway off-ramp leading to the shopping centre. Explosions were reportedly heard in the surrounding Umlazi area.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the initial report of four suspects killed had been revised to three.
According to eNCA, police have launched a manhunt for other suspects believed to have been involved in the alleged robbery.
Netshiunda said investigators were pursuing individuals believed to have escaped from the scene.
“We know with experience that there are getaway vehicles and there are those who were not at the crime scene. So, we don’t know how many of them were at the crime scene, but a manhunt is on for those that we saw, which we are pursuing now,” Netshiunda said, according to eNCA.
Four firearms recovered after Umlazi shootout
Police reportedly recovered four firearms in connection with the incident.
Netshiunda also confirmed that money believed to have been stolen during the robbery was found in an abandoned vehicle.
The recovery of the firearms and cash forms part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected heist and the subsequent shootout.
Read | 18 CIT Suspects Killed in Shootout with Police in Makhado
The identities of the deceased men have not been publicly confirmed in the available reports. Their alleged involvement in the robbery remains subject to the police investigation.
Two security guards injured
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said emergency medical teams responded after the security vehicle was reportedly bombed multiple times.
The incident occurred near the road connecting Umlazi Mega City with the M4 Southern Freeway, in the direction of Durban Central.
According to Jamieson, the roadway had already been closed when paramedics arrived, while several people were allegedly attempting to collect money scattered across the ground.
“Paramedics were shown to where two security guards had sustained minor to moderate injuries, and our teams immediately began treating them,” Jamieson said.
While paramedics were treating the injured guards, they were informed that other people had also been shot and required emergency medical assistance.
Multiple ALS Advanced Life Support units and ambulances were dispatched to the scene.
Jamieson confirmed that three men, believed to be in their 20s, had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. At the time of his initial statement, their alleged connection to the robbery had not been independently confirmed.
The subsequent police update confirmed that the revised death toll was three.
Major road closures near Umlazi Mega City
The incident resulted in significant traffic disruption in southern Durban as police and other emergency personnel attended to the scenes.
Arrive Alive reported that two separate incident scenes had been identified, one along South Coast Road near the Mega City off-ramp and another at the N2 off-ramp leading towards Umlazi.
South Coast Road was reported closed in both directions, while the N2 off-ramp towards Umlazi was also closed to traffic.
Motorists were advised to avoid the affected routes, use alternative roads and follow instructions from law enforcement officers.
The latest available road-closure report does not establish whether the affected routes have since reopened.
Police manhunt continues
The investigation is continuing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged cash-in-transit robbery, the reported explosions and the exchange of gunfire.
Investigators are also pursuing other suspected participants who may have fled the scene.
Police have not publicly confirmed how many people were involved in the alleged robbery or whether further arrests have been made.
The incident remains under investigation, with further information expected as the police operation progresses.
Comments