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A Fidelity cash van was ambushed near a local butchery in Rustenburg earlier today by a group of heavily armed men.
The attack unfolded in broad daylight, sending shockwaves through nearby businesses and leaving residents shaken as gunfire echoed across the busy street. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the men descended on the van with military-style precision, blocking the road and opening fire without warning.
What began as an ordinary delivery run turned into a dramatic exchange of bullets. The guards inside the cash van returned fire as they tried desperately to protect the cargo, but the attackers pressed forward, forcing open the rear doors and grabbing bags of money. The value of the stolen cash remains unknown.
As the shootout intensified, one of the suspects was hit in the leg. Moments later, witnesses say he turned a weapon on himself. His body remained at the scene long after the rest of the gang sped off in two separate getaway vehicles.
The sound of screeching tyres and gunshots left the neighbourhood rattled. Shop owners locked their doors and ducked for cover, while motorists abandoned their cars and ran for safety. Parents rushed to nearby schools to collect their children, fearing the gunmen might circle back.
Police arrived to a crowd of stunned onlookers, some filming the aftermath while others tried to make sense of what they had just witnessed. Officers immediately cordoned off the area, combing the ground for shell casings and examining the cash van’s bullet-riddled panels.
Residents say the attack lasted barely a minute, but the level of firepower made it feel like much longer. One man who works at the butchery said he heard “what felt like a full war breaking out outside”. Another woman described hiding behind a freezer, praying the gunmen would not storm into the shop.
The brazen ambush has sparked renewed concerns about the rise of violent cash-in-transit attacks in the North West. Criminals have grown increasingly bold, often using explosives, automatic rifles, and military tactics to overwhelm security guards.
Police have not yet revealed how many suspects were involved, but early indications suggest a well-organised group with access to heavy weapons and detailed knowledge of the cash van’s route. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from businesses in the area and interviewing witnesses who saw the attackers moments before the ambush.
Officers also recovered the firearm believed to have been used by the injured suspect who died at the scene. His identity has not been released, but authorities say they hope fingerprints and ballistic analysis will help link him to previous robberies.
Traffic in the area remained backed up for hours as forensic teams worked under the watch of armed officers. The sight of crime-scene tape fluttering in the wind drew more residents to the scene, each one trying to piece together what had happened in their usually quiet neighbourhood.
For Fidelity employees, it was another reminder of the dangers their crews face daily. The company has long warned of increasing threats to its vans, but attacks continue to grow in both sophistication and frequency.
Security analysts say the timing of the ambush—during a busy period and in a public area—suggests a level of desperation or confidence from the criminals. Either way, it indicates that cash-in-transit robberies remain a major challenge for both police and security companies.
As the sun set over Rustenburg, police confirmed that a large manhunt was underway. Officers from surrounding districts have been deployed, roadblocks have been set up on key routes, and helicopters were seen circling above the town later in the afternoon.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles or individuals who may be linked to the attack. They believe the suspects could still be armed and warned that the group is considered extremely dangerous.
For now, Rustenburg is left grappling with the aftermath of yet another violent robbery, one that unfolded metres from shops, homes, and families simply going about their day. And with the suspects still on the run, the town waits anxiously for answers—aware that today’s brazen attack may not be the last.
