A group of 13 armed suspects intercepted a cash-in-transit vehicle on the N3 westbound near the Sherwood off-ramp in Durban on Saturday, 18 July 2026, forcing a violent confrontation and a subsequent police manhunt. The perpetrators successfully disarmed the security personnel and used explosives to breach the vehicle, stealing an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene.
Investigation And Police Response
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that they are actively searching for the 13 suspects involved in what appears to be a highly orchestrated attack. Speaking on the progress of the investigation, Sergeant Thenjiswa Ngcobo stated, “Police in KwaZulu-Natal are on the lookout for 13 suspects following a cash-in-transit robbery on N3 westbound near Sherwood off-ramp. It is reported that the suspects accosted a cash-in-transit vehicle and robbed the security guards of their firearms before stealing an undisclosed amount of money.”
While the security guards involved in the incident were reported to be physically unharmed, emergency personnel were required to treat a police officer for minor injuries sustained during the operation. Garrith Jamieson of ALS Paramedics confirmed the status of those on the scene, noting, “Two of the cash guards were unharmed; however, a police officer was treated for injuries sustained.”
Regional Security Implications
The heist highlights the persistent threat posed by organised criminal syndicates targeting high-value armoured vehicles along major provincial transport corridors. This attack reflects a broader trend of sophisticated robberies in the region, similar to the February 2026 bombing of a transport vehicle near Chesterville, which also featured the use of explosives and daylight interception.
Law enforcement officials are expected to provide further updates as the forensic investigation at the scene concludes and leads are followed. Future security measures on the N3 corridor may be reviewed as authorities grapple with the increasing use of military-grade tactics in everyday criminal activity.