A security guard suffered a gunshot wound to the leg during the robbery on Saturday (5/16) and was transported to hospital. The incident resulted in the complete closure of the N8 in both directions near Botshabelo as emergency services responded to the situation.
It is alleged that three security guards traveling in an armored cash delivery vehicle, accompanied by two guards in an escort vehicle, were traveling along the N8 near the Botshabelo-West T-junction when their armored vehicle was reportedly rammed by a BMW, forcing it to stop.
The suspects robbed the security guards of a service pistol. They took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a white Ford Ranger, a silver Mercedes-Benz and a charcoal JAC towards Bloemfontein.
Another vehicle involved in the robbery, a Q5 Audi, was suspected of driving towards Ladybrand.
“No arrests have been made to date; however, investigations continue,” said Free State Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti.
The public should not confront these suspects because they are considered heavily armed and dangerous, she said.
The Hawks are urging anyone with information to alert the nearest police station or call Det. Colonel Mofokeng of the Hawks on 075 988 1432.
Meanwhile, the scene of the two-vehicle collision on the N8 between Petrusburg and Bloemfontein has been cleared and the road is now fully open to traffic. It concerns a collision between a light motor vehicle and a heavy motor vehicle on Saturday.
“Both lanes of the road were affected, and the road was affected in both directions,” said Sipho Towa, chairman of the Free State Road Incident Management Systems.
“One fatality was confirmed at the scene and one patient suffered moderate injuries and was treated by emergency services at the scene.”
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