CIT heist causes havoc on N2
THE N2 outside Empangeni descended into chaos on Tuesday evening after a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist occurred at around 4pm.
The freeway had to be closed in both directions between the University of Zululand off-ramp and Mtunzini Toll Plaza for emergency personnel to attend to any injuries and for the police to scour the scene for evidence.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Truck accident brings N2 near Richards Bay to a standstill
Motorists returning home during the late afternoon rush hour were forced to find alternate routes, with reports of vehicles turning around in an effort to not get caught up in the mayhem.
The southbound carriageway of the N2 was eventually reopened just before 7.30pm, with a full reopening of the freeway at around 9.30pm.
According to Mounties EMS who were on scene, one person sustained moderate injuries.
The provincial police were contacted for more information, but none was forthcoming.
Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
Condolences extended to KZN light aircraft crash victims' families
THE DA in KZN has called for a probe into the circumstances that led to the light aircraft crash in the Midlands earlier this week. The tragedy claimed the lives of all three occupants aboard the aircraft. According to reports, the aircraft disappeared on Sunday, after departing from Virginia Airport in Durban. ALSO READ: Search for missing aircraft ends in tragedy On Monday, the Aeronautical Rescue Co-ordination Centre confirmed it had located the aircraft crash site. The DA said it is deeply saddened by the incident and extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased. 'The loss of a young student pilot – who was reportedly operating the aircraft – is particularly devastating, as it represents not only the end of a promising future, but also a loss to South Africa's aviation sector,' said the party. ALSO READ: CIT heist causes havoc on N2 KZN DA Spokesperson on Transport Riona Gokool commended the efforts of all emergency personnel and search and rescue teams who worked tirelessly to locate the missing aircraft. 'Their dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity must be acknowledged and appreciated,' said Gokool. Gokool added that Transport MEC Siboniso Duma confirmed that the matter will be handed over to the SAPS Accident and Incident Investigation Division and the South African Civil Aviation Authority for an official investigation. 'As part of KZN's GPU, the DA is committed to closely monitoring this process. We believe particular attention must be paid to the role that adverse weather conditions, pilot training, flight planning and aircraft condition may have played,' said Gokool. 'The findings of this investigation must inform immediate steps to strengthen aviation safety standards and ensure such tragedies are not repeated. 'As a nation, we must honour the memory of those lost by demanding accountability, learning from this incident, and by putting robust measures in place to protect all who take to our skies,' said Gokool. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Hero detective acts fast as armed suspect sparks high-speed drama in Fochville
A routine patrol turned into a high-stakes drama on Monday, June 9, when a local police detective came face-to-face with an armed suspect in broad daylight. Warrant Officer Pieter Maartens, a well-known and respected detective in the Fochville area, was conducting routine duties at approximately 13:10 when he noticed a white Citroën speeding through the streets of Fochville. The vehicle ignored multiple stop signs and posed a serious risk to other road users. Suspecting the driver to be intoxicated, Maartens followed the vehicle and pulled it over at the corner of Church and Koring Streets. As he began questioning the driver, the situation escalated rapidly. The 26-year-old suspect, visibly agitated, drew a 9mm gas-powered handgun and pointed it at both Maartens and his 20-year-old passenger—who was on parole. Quick-thinking saves lives In a split-second decision, Warrant Officer Maartens chose not to draw his weapon, knowing it could intensify the danger. Instead, he opened the vehicle door and dove to safety, pulling the parolee out with him. The suspect momentarily fled on foot but then returned, circling the police vehicle while still aiming the weapon. This gave Maartens the opportunity to fire two warning shots to deter the threat. The confrontation escalated into a high-speed chase through Fochville, during which the suspect continued pointing the firearm at the officers. In response, Maartens fired three additional shots at the vehicle. Suspect apprehended, weapon seized The suspect finally came to a stop in Church Street. With backup units arriving on the scene, police successfully ordered him out of the vehicle and arrested him without further resistance. Upon inspection, police recovered a gas-powered handgun with seven rounds and a knife from the vehicle. The Citroën sustained five bullet strikes during the pursuit, though the suspect was unharmed except for minor cuts from broken glass. Both Maartens and the parolee also suffered minor injuries. Tests revealed the suspect was under the influence of alcohol and drugs at the time of the incident. He has since been charged with: Illegal pointing of a firearm Driving under the influence Reckless and negligent driving Possession of a dangerous weapon Legal implications: What the law says Although gas guns do not require a firearm license in South Africa, Section 120(6) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 makes it illegal to point any firearm, antique firearm, or air gun—loaded or not—without a lawful reason. This includes any object that could reasonably be mistaken for a real firearm. The case will serve as a strong reminder of the legal consequences of reckless behaviour with imitation weapons, especially when public safety is at risk. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
CIT heist causes havoc on N2
THE N2 outside Empangeni descended into chaos on Tuesday evening after a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist occurred at around 4pm. The freeway had to be closed in both directions between the University of Zululand off-ramp and Mtunzini Toll Plaza for emergency personnel to attend to any injuries and for the police to scour the scene for evidence. ALSO READ: WATCH: Truck accident brings N2 near Richards Bay to a standstill Motorists returning home during the late afternoon rush hour were forced to find alternate routes, with reports of vehicles turning around in an effort to not get caught up in the mayhem. The southbound carriageway of the N2 was eventually reopened just before 7.30pm, with a full reopening of the freeway at around 9.30pm. According to Mounties EMS who were on scene, one person sustained moderate injuries. The provincial police were contacted for more information, but none was forthcoming. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
