Failed CIT Heist leaves man without a leg.

Alberton, Gauteng Province – On May 6, 2025, a suspected criminal lost a leg during a failed cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Thokoza, located in the East Rand of Gauteng Province. The incident occurred on Khumalo Street, where the suspect attempted to bomb a cash van but failed to execute the robbery.

According to reports posted on X, the suspect was unable to use his firearm effectively during the heist, leading to a botched attempt to access the cash van’s contents. The explosion, intended to breach the armored vehicle, resulted in severe injury to the suspect, who lost a leg. No further details on the suspect’s condition or identity have been confirmed by authorities at this time.

The cash van’s contents remained secure, and no money was stolen during the incident. All security personnel involved escaped unharmed, with no injuries reported among the CIT crew or bystanders.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the failed heist. The event adds to a series of CIT robbery attempts in Gauteng, a province that recorded eight cash-in-transit heists between October and December 2024, according to recent crime statistics.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of cash-in-transit heists in South Africa, with Gauteng remaining a hotspot for such crimes. Further updates are expected as police continue their investigation.

South Africa faces a persistent crisis with cash-in-transit heists, which have surged in recent years. According to SAPS crime statistics, over 160 CIT incidents were reported nationwide in 2024, with Gauteng accounting for nearly half of these cases. Criminal syndicates often use explosives and high-powered firearms, targeting armored vehicles in coordinated attacks. The violence associated with these heists has led to significant losses for security companies and heightened risks for personnel, with several guards and bystanders injured or killed in recent years. Authorities have intensified efforts to combat these crimes, including specialized task forces and increased patrols, but the sophisticated nature of the syndicates continues to pose a significant challenge.

Watch: As officers secure the scene

Sources: Posts on X; IOL crime statistics; SAPS crime reports