Motorists were urged to stay alert after a cash-in-transit van was ambushed by about six gunmen on the Nquthu Road, roughly 20km from Dundee and 60km from Newcastle.
The robbery occurred on the R68 in the early hours of Tuesday morning, a key route used daily by Newcastle residents, truckers and commuters travelling to Dundee, Nquthu and Vryheid. SAPS confirmed the CIT vehicle was attacked by heavily armed suspects but said no injuries were reported. It remained unclear at the time of going to print whether any cash was taken or if the van’s security personnel discharged their weapons.
“This is a route many Newcastle workers and business owners use before 8am,” said a local driver who passed the scene shortly after the attack. “The road was closed off and there were police and emergency vehicles everywhere. We were just glad no one was hurt. It could have been any one of us on our way to work.”
Another commuter from Madadeni said the incident left many drivers shaken. “People were turning around and taking the longer route through Glencoe. We heard about it on community WhatsApp groups before we even got to the roadblock. It’s scary because we use that road every day.”
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers responded to the scene within minutes and a manhunt was launched for the suspects, believed to be at least six men travelling in one or more vehicles. Forensic teams cordoned off a section of the R68 for several hours while evidence was collected, causing brief delays for Newcastle traffic heading north.
“The suspects fled the scene before police arrived,” Netshiunda said. “A case of cash-in-transit robbery was opened and an investigation team has been assigned. No arrests had been made at the time of this report.”
He added that ballistics and fingerprint units processed the scene, and police were reviewing any available CCTV or dashcam footage from motorists who may have been in the area.
The attack added to growing concern around CIT heists in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The R68 between Dundee and Nquthu has seen several hijackings and truck-related incidents in recent months, including a kidnapping and ransom demand on the same stretch in May.
Newcastle SAPS said patrols along the R68 and connecting routes were increased following Tuesday’s robbery, with visible policing operations set up at key intersections and weighbridges. Law enforcement also engaged with local security companies and business forums to share intelligence and safety alerts.
Business owners in Newcastle’s CBD said the robbery could affect supply chains if drivers avoided the route. “Any delay on the R68 hits us directly,” said one retailer who receives deliveries from Durban via Dundee. “We’re hoping police act quickly so confidence is restored.”
SAPS appealed to anyone from Newcastle, Dundee, Madadeni, Osizweni or surrounding farming communities with information to contact their nearest police station or Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111. Authorities also urged motorists to report suspicious vehicles, especially bakkies or sedans seen lingering near Nquthu Road turn-offs or remote stretches of the R68.
Colonel Netshiunda reminded the public not to approach suspects or tamper with any evidence at crime scenes. “We ask the community to work with us. Even small details can help us track these gangs.”
