3 CIT robbers shot dead in a highway shootout with police in South Africa

Three suspected cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded and a fourth suspect was arrested following a shootout with South African Police Service (SAPS) members on the R80 highway in Tshwane, Gauteng, on Monday, 28 September 2026.

A multidisciplinary team that included the SAPS Tactical Response Team, Anti-Gang Unit, Gauteng Traffic Airwing, and private security companies (coordinated through Business Against Crime South Africa) was acting on intelligence about suspects allegedly planning a robbery.

The team spotted a white Hyundai H1 on the R80 and attempted to stop it using blue lights. The occupants allegedly opened fire on the police, who returned fire, resulting in three suspects being fatally wounded. Officers recovered an AK-47 rifle and a 9mm pistol from the vehicle.

A fourth suspect, believed to be linked to the same group and travelling in a Toyota Avanza, was arrested. He was found in possession of a 9mm pistol.

Forensic experts are processing the scene for further evidence. The recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they can be linked to other crimes.

Maj Gen Fred Kekana, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing in Gauteng, praised the team for its ongoing efforts to disrupt CIT and cross-pavement robberies in the province.

The incident forms part of broader police operations targeting organised crime and high-risk robberies in Gauteng.