Members of SAPS Durban Central are on the lookout for suspects following the attempted robbery of a Cash In Transit (CIT) vehicle, which resulted in the death of one man and left several others injured between Pine Street, Rusell Street and Victoria Street in the Durban CBD, a few hours ago.
Captain Muzi Maphumulo, communications officer for SAPS Durban Central, confirmed that a CIT incident took place in the CBD at 10h00 on Tuesday, 22 August. He said that the first scene took place at Pine Street and Russell Street before progressing to Russel Street and Victoria Street.
“The suspects shot at the CIT vehicle, which resulted in one man being shot. A few pedestrians were injured after the CIT vehicle knocked them while trying to evade the robbers. No money was taken and the robbery of the cash box was unsuccessful. None of the cash collectors were injured,” said Capt Maphumulo.
Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said that paramedics arrived at the scene shortly after several calls of a shooting incident.
He said: “There was an alleged CIT robbery that had occurred and the suspects had randomly started shooting. Unfortunately, one person believed to be a shop owner, had sustained a gunshot wound to his head and was declared deceased at the scene. The CIT vehicle then sped away in an effort to avoid confrontation and collided into a taxi. The CIT vehicle then veered off the road and collided with multiple vendors on the side of the road.”
Jamieson added that a total of one taxi driver and seven vendors have sustained injuries ranging from moderate to serious and have been stabilised on scene by multiple ambulance services before being transported to hospital for further care.
“Russell Street has been closed to all traffic whilst the investigations are underway and I would advise all motorists to avoid this area at all costs,” he added.
SAPS Durban Central is now looking for the suspects who are still at large. “Any information relating to the incident should be reported to Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or SAPS Durban Central on 031-325-4281,” said Capt Maphumulo.
