Police in Limpopo have launched a manhunt for a group of heavily armed suspects following a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery at Moutsiya Mall that occurred earlier today. The incident resulted in gunfire inside the shopping centre and left two bystanders with gunshot wounds.15
According to eyewitness accounts, the gang of criminals intercepted cash guards inside the mall. An exchange of gunfire followed, causing panic among shoppers who scrambled for cover.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the details of the shooting. Two bystanders were struck during the crossfire. One victim was shot inside the Fertility clinic, while the second was hit inside a nearby Pep Cell/Pep Store branch.
Emergency medical services responded promptly to the scene and provided treatment to the wounded individuals on site. Lerato Mokwena, an emergency services spokesperson, stated that both victims received medical attention before being transported to a nearby hospital. The two are currently reported to be in stable condition.
The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash using a getaway vehicle. No further details on the vehicle or the exact sum taken have been released.
Police have cordoned off the Moutsiya Mall area, and forensic experts are actively combing the scene for evidence, including spent cartridges, potential fingerprints, and other traces left by the perpetrators.
Authorities are appealing to members of the public for any information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects. The public is urged to contact the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app to submit tips anonymously.
This incident highlights ongoing security challenges at shopping centres in the region involving cash-in-transit operations. Moutsiya Mall, located in the Dennilton area along major routes such as the R573, has seen previous robbery incidents in prior years, though today’s event specifically involved a CIT interception inside the facility with resulting bystander injuries.45
Investigations remain active, with police focusing on tracing the getaway vehicle, analyzing ballistic evidence from the exchanged gunfire, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the chaos. No arrests have been reported at this stage.
The two injured bystanders were not identified as security personnel or direct targets but were caught in the crossfire while present at the mall’s retail and medical outlets. Their stable condition offers some relief amid the broader concern over public safety during such armed confrontations.
Police operations continue in the surrounding areas of Limpopo, with increased patrols likely in place to prevent further incidents and to gather leads on the fleeing group. The exact number of suspects involved has not been specified beyond descriptions of a “group” and “gang,” but they were noted as heavily armed.
Further updates from the Limpopo police are expected as forensic processing and the manhunt progress. The public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the case immediately to the designated channels.
OTHER NEWS
Two CIT Robbery Suspects Arrested in Welkom Following Cross-Pavement Heist at Cash and Carry Store
On Saturday 23 May 2026, at approximately 12:40 midday, a cash-in-transit robbery occurred at the Cash and Carry store in Welkom, Free State. Security officers were collecting money from the store when they were accosted by six armed suspects. The suspects forced the security guards to lie down and ordered them to open the cash van.
The suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash, three firearms belonging to the security officers, bulletproof vests, and a hand radio.
Free State Crime Intelligence gathered information on the suspects’ whereabouts shortly after the robbery. A multidisciplinary team led by Crime Intelligence, including members of the Tactical Response Team and the Public Order Policing unit, was mobilised. Police traced the suspects to a house in Welkom and arrived at the location at around 15:00 on the same day.
A shootout occurred between the police and the suspects upon arrival at the house. Some of the suspects managed to flee the scene, while two known CIT armed robbery suspects were arrested. During the operation, police recovered an undisclosed amount of the stolen money along with other items linked to the robbery.
Lieutenant General Solomon Lesia, the Provincial Commissioner of the Free State SAPS, commended the multidisciplinary team for their swift response and intelligence-driven operation. He stated that the arrests demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led policing and coordinated operational responses. Lesia praised the members involved for their bravery and commitment. He noted that the suspects who escaped were being actively pursued and that it was only a matter of time before they were brought to justice.
The two arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon. They face charges relating to armed robbery, attempted murder, and possession of suspected stolen property.
The operation resulted in the arrests and partial recovery of stolen property within approximately three hours of the initial robbery. No injuries were reported during the shootout or the initial robbery. A search for the remaining four suspects continues as part of the ongoing investigation.
All details regarding the exact value of the stolen and recovered money, as well as the specific identities of the arrested individuals, remain undisclosed in official reports at this time.
