Two security guards were shot during a cash-in-transit robbery on the N2 highway near the NPC cement factory in the south of Durban on Wednesday morning. One of the guards sustained critical injuries and had to be airlifted to hospital, while the other was also wounded during the violent incident.
Emergency services and law enforcement officials quickly rushed to the scene following reports of gunfire during the robbery. Paramedics treated the injured guards before transporting them to medical facilities for further treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, one guard was placed on an air ambulance and flown to a nearby hospital for urgent care.
The brazen heist caused major disruptions along the busy highway, forcing authorities to shut down the southbound lanes of the N2 to allow investigators to secure and examine the crime scene. The closure has resulted in heavy traffic congestion in the surrounding areas as motorists were advised to use alternative routes.
According to paramedic Garrith Jamieson, the road is expected to remain closed for an extended period while investigators carry out their work. He warned motorists to avoid the area if possible, as the investigation and clean-up operations may take several hours.
“The N2 southbound near the NPC cement factory has been closed and will remain closed for quite some time to allow investigators to thoroughly examine the scene,” Jamieson explained.
He further urged drivers to stay away from the affected section of the highway to avoid delays and ensure the safety of emergency teams working on site.
“At this stage, the exact events leading up to the alleged robbery are still unclear,” Jamieson said. “However, all the necessary officials are currently at the scene and will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Cash-in-transit robberies have become a growing concern in South Africa, with criminal groups frequently targeting armored vehicles transporting large sums of money. These attacks often involve heavily armed suspects who use explosives, firearms, and coordinated tactics to stop security vehicles and gain access to cash.
In many cases, such robberies place the lives of security guards, motorists, and nearby residents at serious risk. Authorities have repeatedly warned that these criminals are highly dangerous and should never be confronted by members of the public.
Police have not yet released details about the number of suspects involved in the Durban robbery or whether any arrests have been made. Investigators are expected to review evidence from the scene, including possible surveillance footage and witness statements, as they work to track down those responsible.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling through Durban’s southern routes are advised to remain patient and cautious as traffic diversions remain in place. Authorities are expected to provide further updates once the investigation progresses and the road can safely reopen.
The incident highlights the continued threat posed by cash-in-transit heists in the country and the dangers faced daily by security personnel tasked with transporting money under increasingly risky conditions.
