Armed Cash-In-Transit Heist Shuts Down N8 Near Botshabelo

A major cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery brought traffic to a standstill on the N8 highway near Botshabelo in the Free State on Saturday morning after heavily armed suspects attacked an armoured cash vehicle and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

The incident occurred near the Botshabelo-West T-junction on the busy route between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo. Authorities confirmed that the road was closed in both directions for several hours while emergency personnel, forensic investigators, and law enforcement officers secured the scene and conducted preliminary investigations.  

According to information released by the Hawks, the cash vehicle was travelling along the N8 accompanied by an escort vehicle when suspects allegedly rammed the armoured van with a BMW, forcing it to stop on the roadway. Reports indicate that multiple armed suspects then attacked the security team before seizing cash and fleeing the area in several getaway vehicles.  

Initial reports suggest the suspects escaped in a white Ford Ranger, a silver Mercedes-Benz, a charcoal JAC vehicle, and an Audi Q5 believed to have travelled in the direction of Ladybrand. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of suspects involved in the robbery.  

One security officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the incident and was transported to hospital for medical treatment. Emergency medical personnel treated the injured guard at the scene before he was taken to a nearby medical facility. No fatalities had been confirmed at the time of publication.  

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire during the robbery, while several social media posts from motorists and community pages claimed the cash vehicle may have been bombed during the attack. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed whether explosives were used.  

The incident caused major traffic disruptions along the N8 corridor, with motorists urged to avoid the route and use alternative roads while police processed the crime scene. Public transport services operating between Bloemfontein, Botshabelo, and Thaba Nchu were also temporarily suspended due to safety concerns and congestion in the area.  

Large crowds reportedly gathered near the scene shortly after the robbery, with some reports alleging that members of the public attempted to approach the area where cash was believed to have been scattered during the attack. Police remained on site throughout the day to manage crowds and maintain security while investigations continued.  

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit has opened cases of cash-in-transit robbery and attempted murder. Investigators are currently analysing the crime scene and tracing the suspects involved in the attack.  

The latest robbery is the latest in a series of violent CIT attacks reported on the N8 corridor between Bloemfontein and Botshabelo over recent years. Previous incidents along the same route have involved suspects ramming armoured vehicles, opening fire on security officers, and using explosives to gain access to cash safes before fleeing in stolen getaway vehicles.  

No arrests had been announced by Saturday evening, and authorities appealed to members of the public with information to come forward as investigations continue.