By REGINALD KANYANE
20 November 2025- The police in Rustenburg have launched an investigation into a robbery with a firearm and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition after an incident that occurred on Wednesday morning, 19 November 2025, at approximately 7am in the Rustenburg CBD. According to reports, two security officers were on duty conducting routine cash collections at various businesses in the CBD.
Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Communication Officer, Sergeant Ofentse Mokgadi said upon arriving at a store on Fatima Bhayat Street, one of the crew members returned to the cash van after collecting money from the shop. Mokgadi said while he approaching the vehicle, he was confronted by two armed suspects who emerged from a blue SUV and threatened him with firearms.
“The suspects prevented the security officer from closing the van door and demanded the cash. During the confrontation, a shot was fired. The crew member threw the cash bag onto the ground, which one of the suspects grabbed, while the other suspect forcibly took the officer’s service firearm. Both suspects then fled on foot.
“The driver of the cash van, who witnessed the robbery, was also threatened by one of the suspects. The driver fired a single shot at the suspect, who then ran a short distance before collapsing. While on the ground, the suspect allegedly fired two shots in the direction of the cash van before turning the firearm on himself,” he said.
Mokgadi further said he was declared dead on the scene. he added that a manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspect.
Meanwhile, acting Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2 Commissioner, Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a brazen act of violence that endangered the lives of security personnel and members of the community. Ntoagae emphasized the commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to intensify efforts to combat violent crimes targeting cash-in-transit operations.
“The police urge anyone with information that can assist in the investigation to contact Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Phatshwana on 082 373 9571. Information provided will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” she said.
The Guardian 