Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
In a shocking turn of events, a group of seven police officers from the Durban Public Order Policing (POP) unit inadvertently stumbled upon a daring cash heist while en route to their night shift duties. The officers, traveling in a marked SAPS Toyota Quantum, were completely unaware of the unfolding crime scene along the M35 road from Folweni to Philani village, near the Ezombokwedeni river bridge.
As fate would have it, the officers encountered a setback when they discovered that two of their vehicle’s tires had gone flat. While the driver inspected the damage, two armed men suddenly emerged from the shadows, shooting in their direction with automatic rifles. Startled by the sudden attack, all the officers quickly exited the Quantum and sought cover in the nearby bushes.
The armed suspects brazenly continued their advance toward the SAPS vehicle, relentlessly firing at it until they were satisfied. The attackers then retraced their steps back to the primary crime scene, where a G4S truck was being targeted. During this incident, the SAPS officers cautiously emerged from their hiding places once they deemed it safe. Unfortunately, due to the element of surprise and lack of opportunity, the police officers were unable to employ their firearms during the attack.
Upon leaving their hiding spots, the officers were confronted with a grim aftermath. They observed that the robbers had successfully blown up the G4S vehicle approximately 400 meters away from where they had been attacked. The criminals had managed to escape with an undisclosed sum of money. Shockingly, it was also discovered that one innocent female passerby, traveling inside a white Toyota Corolla, had tragically lost her life during the exchange of gunfire. The driver of the Corolla sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Among the police officers involved, one member had been shot in the right foot and was immediately transported to Kingsway Hospital for medical attention. Fortunately, the remaining officers escaped the ordeal without any gunshot wounds. Additionally, all the officers’ firearms were accounted for, ensuring that no weapons fell into the wrong hands.
The marked SAPS vehicle bore the brunt of the attack, sustaining significant damage from the barrage of bullets, leaving it riddled with holes. The incident has sent shockwaves through the police force and the local community, raising concerns about the brazen nature of the criminal activities unfolding in the area.
The South African Police Service has launched a full-scale investigation into the cash heist and subsequent shootings. They have called for any witnesses to come forward with information that may aid in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the need for continued efforts to combat organized crime.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to assist in maintaining community safety.
