One suspect lost his leg and died after a failed cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, early Tuesday morning.
The drama unfolded at Phola Park Extension 5 when a gang of around 10 armed men targeted a cash van.
Gauteng police confirmed that the suspects used a silver BMW to ram the van at the intersection of Khumalo and Murubisi streets in an attempt to force it to a stop.
Things took a wild turn when one of the suspects jumped out with explosives and tried to bomb the vehicle.
Read | Cash-in-transit robbers beaten hands down by heroic retired cop cash van driver
But the plan backfired—literally.
The bomb exploded in his hands before he could get clear, reportedly blowing off one of his legs and killing him instantly.
Gruesome images of the aftermath, including a detached leg lying near the crime scene, are making the rounds on social media.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the incident and said the suspects fled in three other vehicles, leaving the deceased suspect and the BMW behind.
No money was taken, and thankfully, the cash van crew is believed to be unharmed.
“A case of attempted robbery and attempted murder is being investigated,” said Sibeko.
With the suspects still on the run, police have ramped up efforts to track them down.
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