A suspect in a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery reportedly lost his leg during a failed heist in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Thokoza on the East Rand.
According to reports, the incident occurred when a group of armed suspects attempted to bomb a cash van in Phola Park Extension 5.
According to police at least 10 suspects were involved in the failed heist.
The vehicle was allegedly rammed by a silver BMW at the intersection of Khumalo and Murubisi streets.
One of the suspects reportedly exited the vehicle with live explosives and attempted to detonate them near the cash van.
The bomb exploded, allegedly causing the suspect to suffer a severe injury that included the loss of a leg.
Images showing the aftermath, including a dislocated leg near the bombed vehicle, have circulated widely on social media.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed the incident to News, saying officers are investigating a case of armed robbery and attempted murder.
“The cash van was rammed by a silver BMW. Preliminary investigations indicate that one suspect sustained a serious injury during the explosion.
“The vehicle used in the ramming was left behind,” Sibeko told News.
He confirmed that no cash was taken during the attempted robbery.
Sibeko said the suspects reportedly fled the scene in three other vehicles.
According to unconfirmed reports from sources who were at the scene, the suspects fled the scene with what “looked like a lifeless body” of the man who was bombed by the explosives.
However, the police could not confirm whether the man died or not.
“No arrests were made,” added Sibeko.
Police said the investigation was still ongoing.
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