Two security guards were shot and injured, one critically in a cash-in-transit-heist on the N2 southbound near the NPC factory on Wednesday morning.
Image: ALS Paramedics
Chaos erupted on the N2 southbound near the NPC Cement Factory, south of Durban, shortly after 5.30 am on Wednesday when gunmen allegedly ambushed a cash-in-transit vehicle, shooting two security officers multiple times before detonating explosives to blow up the van.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said emergency teams were inundated with calls reporting gunfire and a possible explosion on the busy freeway.
“Just after 5.30 a.m. this morning, ALS paramedics responded to multiple calls of gunshots and what is believed to be an explosion on the N2 southbound near the NPC Cement Factory,” Jamieson said.
“When paramedics arrived together with SAPS, they found that it was an alleged cash-in-transit robbery where both security officials were shot multiple times before the vehicle was apparently bombed in the process.”
Paramedics found two wounded officers at the scene.
“As paramedics assessed the scene and found the two officers having sustained multiple gunshot wounds, one of the officers was in a critical condition, and it was immediately decided to call in the N291 aeromedical helicopter to rapidly transport the critically injured security official to a nearby hospital for the urgent care that he required,” Jamieson said.
“The second security officer had sustained serious gunshot wounds and was stabilised on scene by advanced life support paramedics before being transported to a nearby hospital.”
The emergency service confirmed that the Netcare911 Helicopter was activated to airlift the critically injured guard, while the second officer was stabilised before being taken to hospital for further treatment.
The incident brought traffic to a standstill, with authorities closing a significant stretch of the freeway.
“The N2 southbound has been closed by NPC and will be closed for quite some time to allow investigators to investigate this incident. I’d advise motorists to avoid this area at all costs,” Jamieson said.
Durban Metro Police also warned motorists to steer clear of the area.
“Motorists are advised to stay clear of the N2 South between Edwin Swales and M1 Higginson due to an active crime scene,” the metro police said.
“The road is currently closed while law enforcement agencies attend to the incident. Please use alternative routes.”
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