Police fired rubber bullets as crowds looted a bombed truck

An armored truck blast turned a major highway into a free-for-all, injuring a guard, freezing traffic, and dragging desperate bystanders into a dangerous money scramble.

Heist ignition on a live highway

• N2 northbound near Chesterville became a crime scene.
• Explosives ripped the cash carrier apart.
• Debris and banknotes were sprayed across lanes.
• Drivers slammed brakes as panic kicked in.

Injuries and immediate damage

• A security officer suffered shrapnel injuries.
• Medics rushed in and stabilized the guard.
• Nobody else was physically hurt.

Looting spiral after the blast

• Nearby residents flooded the roadway.
• Passing motorists ditched vehicles to grab notes.
• Police fired rubber rounds to break the rush.
• The chaos dragged on for hours.

Law enforcement response

• South African Police Service shut the road from the M7.
• Officers pushed crowds back under pressure.
• No suspects were caught immediately.

Why this keeps happening

• Cash-in-transit attacks keep stacking up nationwide.
• Bombs and rifles are standard playbooks.
• Highways in KwaZulu-Natal stay prime targets.

Community fallout and backlash

• Chesterville residents faced sharp criticism.
• Locals pointed to poverty driving bad calls.
• Others warned that looting fuels harsher policing.

Wider costs beyond the scene

• Security firms hike prices after losses.
• Guards face daily life-or-death shifts.
• Commuters absorb delays and fear.

What happens next

• Detectives are chasing CCTV leads.
• The injured guard is recovering.
• Pressure grows for prevention, not just cleanup.