A brazen cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery turned Thokoza’s Mahoro Street into a scene of chaos on Tuesday after multiple explosions ripped through the area, damaging homes and sending debris flying into residential properties. Authorities have cordoned off the street as bomb disposal units scour the area for any remaining explosives.
Chaos and Terror as Explosions Rock Neighborhood
Eyewitnesses reported at least four blasts during the heist, with the second explosion reportedly hurling the doors of the CIT van into nearby homes. Residents described terrifying moments as the blasts shook buildings, forcing them to flee for safety.
One shaken resident recounted the ordeal: “I was sitting in the living room watching TV when I heard a big bang—the first one. The second one was very heavy. I thought we were dying. The house was shaking like this. I ran and hid myself.”
Another resident discovered debris from the explosion scattered across their yard, including what appeared to be parts of the CIT van. “I opened the door after the sound got lighter. I found that the shelter is broken, and part of the car is in my yard,” they said.
Police Launch Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects
The armed suspects fled the scene, prompting a large-scale police operation. Authorities confirmed that the crime scene remains active, with forensic teams and investigators working to reconstruct the sequence of events.
CIT heists, often involving heavily armed criminals and explosives, remain a persistent challenge in South Africa. This latest incident has heightened concerns over the escalating violence associated with such robberies and the risks posed to innocent bystanders.
While no fatalities have been reported, the extent of injuries—if any—remains unclear. Police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
As the manhunt intensifies, residents of Thokoza are left grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent heist that has shaken their community.