Cash-in-Transit Robbery Causes Major Traffic Delays on N3 Near Sherwood

Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal — July 18, 2026

Motorists travelling on the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg experienced lengthy delays following a dramatic cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery near the Sherwood area.

A cash-in-transit vehicle was ambushed by a group of heavily armed suspects during the early morning hours. Witnesses reported hearing several loud bangs before seeing multiple vehicles block sections of the highway.

The suspects allegedly used explosives to breach the armoured vehicle before fleeing the scene in several high-powered vehicles. Thick smoke and debris reportedly covered parts of the roadway, forcing approaching motorists to stop at a safe distance.

Emergency responders, traffic officials, and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) quickly arrived and established a security perimeter while specialist investigators examined the damaged cash vehicle.

Traffic on the Pietermaritzburg-bound carriageway remained heavily congested for several hours as authorities diverted vehicles and removed debris from the roadway. Commuters were advised to use alternative routes while the scene was processed.

Detectives from the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime unit, together with forensic specialists, launched an investigation into the robbery, collecting CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, and witness statements. Authorities also appealed to motorists who may have captured the incident on dashboard cameras to assist investigators.

Cash-in-transit robberies remain one of the most sophisticated forms of organised crime in South Africa, often involving carefully planned operations, multiple getaway vehicles, and heavily armed suspects. Law enforcement agencies continue to work closely with private security companies to combat these incidents.

The investigation in this report remains ongoing.