Central SA
N8 near Botshabelo closed due to cash-in-transit heist─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:07 Sat, 16 May 2026
Motorists travelling on the N8 towards Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu are urged to proceed with caution following a cash-in-transit heist on the route on Saturday (16/5).
Motorists are asked to use alternative routes where possible. Authorities are on the scene, and traffic may be affected.
One person sustained moderate injuries during the incident. The injured individual was treated at the scene before being transported by ER24 to a nearby hospital.
The incident has resulted in the full closure of the N8 in both directions near Botshabelo as emergency services respond to the situation.
The closure was implemented to ensure the safety of road users and to allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to secure the scene and carry out initial investigations.
“Please expect delays and follow directions from law enforcement officers, emergency services, and route patrol on site,” said Free State road incident management systems chairperson Sipho Towa.
The Interstate Bus Lines shared a statement that all buses operating to and from the N8 have been temporarily suspended. Buses will not depart from Thaba Nchu, Botshabelo, or Bloemfontein at this stage to avoid congestion on the N8 following the road closure due to an alleged cash-in-transit heist.
Updates will be communicated as soon as more information becomes available, it said in a statement. “We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience and understanding while authorities manage the situation.”
Meanwhile, the scene of the two-vehicle collision on the N3 Section 8, approximately 3km from Warden towards Roadside, has been cleared, and the road is now fully open to traffic.
Earlier on Saturday, emergency services responded to a collision involving two light motor vehicles. On arrival, one fatality was declared on scene, and two patients were found critically injured. Both were extricated by emergency personnel and transported to Busamed Hospital in Harrismith.
“All emergency operations have concluded. The road has been cleared, and normal traffic flow has resumed in both directions,” said Free State EMS acting manager Sidney Dywili.
“Motorists are advised to continue driving with caution as residual congestion may still be present in the area. The provincial EMS extends condolences to the family of the deceased and wishes the injured a speedy recovery.”
