Three Suspected Cash-In-Transit Robbers Killed In N12 Shootout As Three Civilians Are Injured

Three suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers have been shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with police on the N12 near the Kliprivier off-ramp in southern Johannesburg on Friday, 9 October 2026.

The incident also left three civilians injured after the vehicle carrying the suspects reportedly lost control during the shootout and collided with two civilian vehicles.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the incident followed a crime intelligence operation targeting a group of suspects allegedly preparing to commit a robbery in Roodepoort.

Police had received information about the suspected group and were tracking two vehicles believed to be connected to the planned robbery.

During the operation, officers spotted a white Mercedes-Benz on Kliprivier Road and attempted to stop it as it approached traffic lights.

The occupants allegedly opened fire on the police, prompting officers to return fire.

During the exchange, the Mercedes-Benz reportedly lost control and crashed into two civilian vehicles on the N12.

Three suspects travelling in the vehicle were fatally wounded and were certified dead at the scene.

Three Civilians Injured In Collision

Three civilians were injured when the suspects’ vehicle collided with their vehicles during the incident.

The injured victims were transported to hospital for medical treatment. Their identities and the extent of their injuries had not been disclosed in the available reports.

The collision added to the disruption caused by the police operation on the busy highway, where the scene was attended to by law enforcement officials.

AK-47 Rifles Recovered

Police recovered two AK-47 rifles from the vehicle occupied by the three deceased suspects.

Several rounds of ammunition and magazines were also found inside the vehicle.

The recovery of the firearms forms part of the investigation into the incident and the suspected criminal activity that led police to the group.

Two More Suspects Arrested

Investigators also traced a second vehicle believed to be connected to the suspected robbery operation.

The white vehicle was located in the Johannesburg central business district, where two suspects were arrested.

The arrests followed the operation involving the two vehicles that police were tracking in connection with intelligence about a planned robbery in Roodepoort.

Further details about the identities of the arrested suspects, their alleged roles and any charges they may face had not been provided in the reports available at the time of publication.

Police Commissioner Expected At Scene

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni was expected to address the media at the scene as police continued their investigation.

The operation involved an intelligence-led effort to intercept suspects allegedly preparing to commit a robbery. The circumstances surrounding the exchange of gunfire, the collision and the recovered firearms form part of the ongoing investigation.

The three deceased men remain described as suspected cash-in-transit robbers, and the allegations against the group should be distinguished from any findings that may emerge through the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.

Further official information is expected as police provide additional details about the operation, the two arrests and the evidence recovered.