South Africa: Police Pursue Armed Gang After KwaZulu-Natal Heist

Police are investigating an armed gang following a CIT heist near Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal, where two security officers were injured. Limpopo is identified by police as one of the safest provinces, though Thohoyandou has high crime rates. The region saw a 28% drop in murders, attributed to community engagement and police trust.

Authorities are actively pursuing an armed gang responsible for a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery that occurred on the R74 highway near Stanger in KwaZulu-Natal. During the ambush, two security personnel sustained injuries, one of whom suffered a gunshot wound while the other experienced moderate injuries. Both individuals received medical attention from IPSS Medical Rescue paramedics. The assailants utilized explosives to gain access to the cash and fled with an undisclosed sum, leading to a police investigation that necessitated the temporary closure of the roadway.

In related news, Limpopo has been recognized as one of the safest provinces in South Africa by Deputy Police Commissioner Jan Scheepers. He reported significant reductions in 17 categories of major crime during the second and third quarters of the fiscal year 2024/2025. However, Thohoyandou continues to be a notorious hotspot for violent crimes, including murder, rape, and robbery, holding a place among the top 30 policing areas nationwide. Major-General Eddie Van der Walt, Vhembe District Commissioner, attributed the region’s concerning crime figures to the rapid increase in liquor establishments, leading to the closure of 335 shebeens and 627 taverns during recent law enforcement operations. Despite these challenges, the province experienced a commendable 28% decline in murder cases, which Commissioner Scheepers attributes to robust community engagement and trust in law enforcement.

In summary, the police are currently searching for an armed gang involved in a notable cash-in-transit heist in KwaZulu-Natal, where two security officers were injured. Meanwhile, Limpopo has been hailed as one of the safest provinces in the country despite certain crime hotspots like Thohoyandou. A significant decrease in overall crime rates reflects the positive impact of community trust and involvement in law enforcement activities.

Original Source: allafrica.com