Crime

Cash-in-Transit Vehicle Targeted in Explosion on M25 Near KwaMashu

PrimeTime News Desk Published 28 August 2026

13 min read

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A cash-in-transit incident involving a large explosion occurred on the M25 towards KwaMashu in KwaZulu-Natal on the afternoon of Friday, 28 August 2026.

The incident took place near Duffs Road in the vicinity of the KwaMashu Crossroads and the KwaMashu-Phoenix off-ramp, north of Durban. Reports indicated that an armoured cash-in-transit vehicle was targeted, with a significant explosion linked to the attack.

Marshall Security Community Support confirmed they were on scene following the reports. The South African Police Service (SAPS), other law enforcement agencies, first responders and security personnel responded to the location. The area was cordoned off as authorities managed the scene.

At the time of initial reports, no injuries had been confirmed.

ALS Paramedics attended the scene. Traffic authorities and monitoring services advised motorists to avoid the M25 in the area before the KwaMashu Crossroads due to the active incident. Road closures and significant delays were expected while emergency services and investigators worked at the site.

Video footage from the scene showed members of the public moving towards the damaged cash-in-transit vehicle after the explosion.

The situation remained under active monitoring by responding agencies, with further verified details expected as the investigation progressed. Police were handling the formal probe into the robbery and use of explosives.

Motorists in the greater Durban north area were urged to use alternative routes and monitor official traffic updates while the roadway remained affected.

Background on cash-in-transit robberies in South Africa

Cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies remain a recurring form of organised crime in South Africa. According to data from the Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa (Citasa), nearly 120 such incidents were recorded nationally between January and mid-August 2026. Gauteng accounted for 42 percent of these cases, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 23 percent. The Eastern Cape, North West and Western Cape each contributed 7 percent, Free State and Mpumalanga 5 percent each, and Limpopo 4 percent.

Citasa noted that national CIT robberies peaked in June and July 2026. In Gauteng the peak occurred in July, while KwaZulu-Natal recorded peaks in March and June. The association stated that the five-year trendline shows an overall downward trajectory in CIT robberies, though numbers fluctuate year to year.

In 2025, Citasa recorded 180 CIT robberies from January to 21 December, a 13 percent decrease compared with the same period in 2024. That year Gauteng overtook KwaZulu-Natal as the highest-risk province, though KwaZulu-Natal remained second. In 2024 KwaZulu-Natal had been the leading province, accounting for 27 percent of more than 200 recorded incidents.

SAPS crime statistics have previously shown annual totals in the range of 140 to 238 CIT robberies in recent financial years, with variations by province and reporting period. KwaZulu-Natal has frequently featured among the higher-risk provinces, particularly for attacks along major routes such as the N2 and M25 corridors near Durban and KwaMashu.

Common methods in these incidents include the use of multiple vehicles to intercept an armoured cash vehicle, gunfire to force it to stop, the disarming of security officers, and the detonation of explosives to access the cash vault. In a portion of cases cash is not successfully taken, yet other losses occur, including theft of firearms and ammunition, damage to vehicles and equipment, and disruption to road infrastructure. Civilian and security-officer injuries or fatalities have been recorded in some incidents, with KwaZulu-Natal accounting for a notable share of civilian casualties in certain reporting periods.

Public gathering at scenes after explosions, sometimes involving the collection of scattered cash, has been noted in multiple incidents. Law enforcement responses typically involve cordoning off affected roadways, joint operations with private security, and subsequent manhunts or intelligence-led follow-ups.

Cash Van Bombed on M25 Near KwaMashu pic.twitter.com/La8zlaV95k
— PrimeTime News (@PrimeTimeNewsZA) August 28, 2026

These patterns form the broader context in which the 28 August 2026 incident on the M25 occurred.

Man Shot Dead in Home Invasion-Style Attack in Cottonlands, KZN

A man approximately 40 years old was shot and killed inside his home in Cottonlands, KwaZulu-Natal, on the evening of Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) were called to the residence at approximately 20:57. According to the family, they heard gunfire and saw two suspects fleeing from the home. Upon checking inside, they found the man lying on the floor with no signs of life.

The victim sustained three gunshot wounds to the chest and two to the head. Spent cartridges were recovered both inside and outside the residence.

The motive for the killing remains unknown. No further details on the suspects or any arrests have been reported at this stage.

Over R200 million in suspected cocaine seized in dual interceptions at OR Tambo International Airport

Law enforcement authorities intercepted more than 330 kilograms of suspected cocaine, with a combined estimated street value exceeding R200 million, during a coordinated operation at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 25 August 2026. The seizures involved two separate consignments linked to a flight arriving from São Paulo, Brazil.

South African Police Service (SAPS) members stationed at the airport worked with Customs officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and other law enforcement partners. The operation covered aircraft baggage off-loading, passenger arrivals screening in the international terminal, and cargo inspections.

In the first interception, officials examined two large travel suitcases in the airport terminal’s international arrivals hall. The suitcases contained blocks of suspected cocaine weighing approximately 84 kilograms (reported in some accounts as 83.10 kilograms packed into 75 bricks). The matter was referred to the SAPS for further investigation and forensic processing.

In a separate interception at the cargo section, four boxes of unmanifested cargo from the same São Paulo flight were identified. A SARS narcotics detector dog, Lagertha, reacted positively to the boxes. A search revealed approximately 250 kilograms of suspected cocaine packed into 220 blocks. Forensic specialists were called to secure and process the evidence.

The total quantity recovered across both consignments exceeds 330 kilograms and is reported as approximately 333 to 334 kilograms. Both consignments displayed similar “Air” branding, indicating a possible connection. SAPS statements place the combined estimated street value at more than R200 million. SARS has separately estimated the value at around R167 million.

No arrests have been made. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the importation and distribution of the drugs. The seizures form part of ongoing efforts targeting drug trafficking networks that use South Africa’s major international ports of entry as transit points or markets.

Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the multidisciplinary team involved. She noted the vigilance of members at this strategic port of entry and the continued disruption of drug trafficking through the country’s international entry points.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu stated that the interception of cocaine from both passenger baggage and unmanifested cargo on the same flight reflects the value of integrated enforcement. He attributed the outcome to intelligence-led operations, the use of data and risk analysis, and the diligence of Customs officers working to protect South Africa’s borders and economy. The coordinated approach across baggage, passenger, and cargo processing points was highlighted as key to detecting sophisticated smuggling methods.

Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, SAPS spokesperson, confirmed the details of the two consignments and reiterated that no arrests had occurred at the time of the announcements. She emphasised the ongoing investigation into the origins of the consignments and the individuals linked to their movement.

OR Tambo International Airport remains a focal point for such interceptions due to its status as a major international hub. The recovery of the suspected cocaine removes a substantial quantity of the substance from potential circulation pending the conclusion of forensic analysis and related probes.

Seventeen arrested after shootout during police raid on alleged hijacking syndicate in Orange Farm

Seventeen suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, following a crime intelligence-driven police operation in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, that targeted an alleged syndicate involved in planned car and truck hijackings. The operation escalated into a shootout when officers approached the group.

Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence and the Gauteng Highway Patrol Unit acted on information that a truck was being targeted for hijacking along the N1 highway. Police traced the suspects to a plot in the Rietfontein area of Orange Farm, where the group was allegedly camping while preparing for the planned hijacking. The operation took place at approximately 9am.

According to Gauteng Police Spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the suspects allegedly opened fire on police members as officers approached. This led to an exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspects. Four suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the shootout. They were transported to hospital for medical treatment and remain under police guard. The remaining suspects were arrested at the scene, bringing the total number of arrests to 17.

During the operation, police recovered an AK-47 rifle, four pistols, five motor vehicles and a signal-jamming device. Officers also seized traffic police uniforms, reflector jackets, balaclavas, gloves and a cutting-grinder machine. These items are believed to have been intended for use in criminal activities linked to vehicle and truck hijackings.

Cases have been opened for attempted murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of traffic uniforms and possession of a signal-jamming device. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses. The suspects are expected to appear in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court soon.

Sedibeng District Commissioner Major General Nkhensani Mukwevho praised the officers involved, describing the arrests as a significant blow against organised crime in the province and emphasising the importance of proactive, intelligence-driven policing to disrupt such networks and protect communities and motorists.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service in Gauteng to target hijacking syndicates operating in the southern Johannesburg area. No police officers were reported injured in the incident. Investigations continue.

Fatal single-vehicle crash claims driver’s life on Swartkoppies Road in Alberton

A single-vehicle crash on Swartkoppies Road in Alberton left one person dead on Tuesday night, 25 August 2026, after an SUV struck a tree with high-magnitude force. The sole occupant, the driver, was trapped in the wreckage and could not be revived despite rescue and medical efforts at the scene.

The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) received the report of the life-threatening incident through its call centre. Teams from the Alberton and Katlehong fire stations were alerted at 22:08 and responded simultaneously. On arrival, firefighters and rescue personnel found the driver still trapped behind the steering wheel of the SUV and unresponsive.

Specialised hydraulic rescue equipment, known as Jaws-of-Life, was immediately deployed to cut into the vehicle and free the driver from the wreckage. Paramedics then attempted pre-hospital medical treatment in an effort to revive the patient. These efforts were unsuccessful, and the driver was declared dead on the scene.

Preliminary on-scene assessments indicated that the vehicle had sustained a high-magnitude impact against a stationary object, specifically a tree. No other occupants were reported in the vehicle.

Northbound lanes on Swartkoppies Road were temporarily closed for the duration of the rescue and recovery operations to allow emergency teams to work safely. Once the driver had been freed and medical procedures concluded, the deceased was removed from the scene by pathology services and taken to an appropriate facility.

The scene was subsequently handed over to City of Ekurhuleni traffic officers for further investigation and for the rehabilitation of the road. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

This account is based on the official statement issued by Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services media liaison officer William Ntladi, as well as contemporaneous reports confirming the same core details of the response, location on Swartkoppies Road, timing, use of specialised rescue equipment, unsuccessful resuscitation, declaration of death on scene, temporary lane closures, and handover to traffic authorities.

No further verified details regarding the driver’s identity, exact vehicle make or model beyond it being an SUV, or specific contributing factors (such as speed, weather, or road conditions) have been publicly released by authorities at this stage. Investigations continue.

Police Captain and Suspect Killed in Knysna Shootout During Illegal Firearms Operation

A 50-year-old South African Police Service (SAPS) captain attached to the Western Cape Provincial Tactical Response Team was killed in a shootout with a 38-year-old suspect in Knysna in the early hours of Wednesday, 26 August 2026. The suspect also died in the exchange of gunfire. Two firearms were recovered from the suspect’s possession.

The incident occurred at the Sewende Laan informal settlement on Uniondale Road. According to police, the captain formed part of an integrated SAPS team that had been deployed to the area. The team was executing an operation based on information about illegal firearms at the time of the confrontation. Reports indicate that officers came under fire from a shack in the settlement during the follow-up operation.

The captain had been deployed to Knysna as part of ongoing investigations into a series of recent murders in the town. These included the killing of former Knysna executive mayor and serving ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa, as well as two other men shot dead in separate incidents the following day.

Tsengwa, aged 48, was shot dead on the evening of Wednesday, 19 August 2026, in Ngxalo Street, Joodsekamp. He was driving a vehicle with three passengers when an unknown man approached and opened fire before fleeing on foot. Tsengwa sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and upper body and was declared dead at the scene. One passenger was shot in the arm and received hospital treatment. Tsengwa had served as Knysna’s executive mayor from August 2022 until February 2025 and represented ward 8, which includes Concordia and Joodsekamp. He was a member of the African National Congress (ANC).

Less than 24 hours later, on the evening of Thursday, 20 August 2026, two other men were shot dead while sitting in a vehicle in Bongani at approximately 21:00. The deceased were identified as Mandla Matiwane, 47, a former ward 7 councillor, and Mandla Tyololo, 48, who served as secretary of a local taxi forum and was linked to the Knysna Codeta structure. Both were also ANC-linked. Police launched a manhunt for the unidentified gunmen and reinforced the provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit team already investigating the Tsengwa shooting. Investigators have been examining whether the incidents are connected. The motives for the killings remain under investigation.

In connection with Tsengwa’s murder, four suspects have been taken into custody and charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Three of the suspects appeared in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder. They were remanded in custody until 31 August 2026 for a formal bail application. A fourth suspect was also due to appear. Investigations into the murders of Matiwane and Tyololo continue, with no arrests reported in those cases at the time of the latest shooting.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sizakhele Dyantyi conveyed condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased captain. Psychosocial support is being provided to the SAPS members present at the scene in Knysna as well as to the captain’s colleagues based in Cape Town.

Police have confirmed that investigations into the recent murders and the circumstances of the 26 August shootout remain ongoing. The recovery of the two firearms forms part of the broader effort to address illegal weapons in the area linked to the probe.