A dramatic cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery attempt in Thokoza, east of Johannesburg, ended in disaster for one of the suspects, who reportedly lost a leg during an early morning explosion on Tuesday.
According to police, a group of around 10 armed individuals targeted a cash delivery van in Phola Park Extension 5. The suspects allegedly rammed the van using a silver BMW at the intersection of Khumalo and Murubisi streets before attempting to bomb the vehicle.
One suspect exited the car carrying live explosives, which detonated prematurely, resulting in severe injuries, including the loss of a leg. Graphic images of the aftermath, including a dislocated limb near the scene, have since gone viral on social media.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the incident, saying that no money was taken during the attempted heist. “The suspects fled the scene in three vehicles, abandoning the silver BMW used to ram the van,” she said.
A case of armed robbery and attempted murder is under investigation, with authorities continuing their efforts to track down the remaining suspects.