WATCH-Gunfire and chaos erupt as CIT heist unfolds in Thembisa

Thembisa, South Africa – October 27, 2025 – A cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery unfolded on Zuurfontein Road in Thembisa this evening, resulting in the bombing and ignition of a armored money transport vehicle.

The incident occurred along the busy Zuurfontein Road, a key route in the Ekurhuleni metropolitan area, during peak evening traffic hours. Eyewitness footage captured the immediate aftermath, showing thick plumes of black smoke rising from the damaged CIT van parked on the roadside. Flames engulfed parts of the vehicle, with visible fire damage concentrated around the rear and undercarriage, consistent with an explosive device deployment.

Video evidence from the scene depicts multiple vehicles halted amid the chaos, including several white bakkies – standard for CIT operations in South Africa – positioned nearby with apparent structural damage from the blast. Debris, including scattered metal fragments and shattered glass, littered the roadway, obstructing traffic flow. Emergency response lights from police and fire units flashed intermittently against the darkening sky, illuminating a growing crowd of onlookers gathered at a safe distance.

The explosion produced a significant fireball, followed by sustained burning that required immediate intervention from on-site responders. No audio from the videos indicates secondary blasts, though the primary detonation was powerful enough to deform nearby vehicle panels and scatter lightweight materials across the adjacent grassy verge.

Law enforcement officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS), along with specialized tactical units, arrived promptly to secure the perimeter. Their presence included cordoning off sections of the road with police tape and directing bystanders away from the hazardous area. Firefighting teams worked to extinguish the blaze, using hoses to suppress the flames while monitoring for potential reignition from residual fuel or explosives.

The robbery disrupted local traffic significantly, with vehicles backed up in both directions along Zuurfontein Road. Drivers reported being rerouted by officers to alternate paths, such as nearby residential side streets, to avoid the active site. The incident's timing, around dusk, compounded visibility challenges for motorists and responders alike.

As of late evening, the area remained under active investigation and containment. Authorities have not released details on the number of suspects involved, any recovered loot, or potential injuries to CIT guards or civilians. The site continues to pose risks due to ongoing fire suppression efforts and the possibility of unexploded ordnance.

Motorists and residents in Thembisa are advised to steer clear of Zuurfontein Road until further notice, opting for detours via the R562 or parallel routes. SAPS has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity related to the heist to local stations or the national crime hotline.

This event marks another in a series of CIT-targeted attacks in Gauteng province, though specific connections to prior incidents remain unconfirmed at this stage. Updates from official channels will follow as the investigation progresses.