A security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the leg during the robbery on Saturday (16/5) and was transported to the hospital. The incident resulted in the full closure of the N8 in both directions near Botshabelo as emergency services responded to the situation.

It is alleged three security guards travelling in an armoured cash delivery vehicle, accompanied by two guards in an escort vehicle, were travelling along the N8 near the Botshabelo-West T-junction when their armoured vehicle was allegedly rammed by a BMW, forcing it to stop.

The suspects robbed the security guards of a service pistol. They took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a white Ford Ranger, a silver Mercedes-Benz, and a charcoal JAC in the direction of Bloemfontein.

Another vehicle involved in the robbery, a Q5 Audi, was suspected of heading in the direction of Ladybrand.

“No arrests have been effected thus far; however, investigations are continuing,” said Free State Hawks spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti.

Members of the public must not confront these suspects as they are deemed heavily armed and dangerous, she said.

The Hawks urge anyone with information to alert the nearest police station or call Det. Col Mofokeng of the Hawks on 075 988 1432.

Meanwhile, the scene of the two-vehicle collision on the N8 between Petrusburg and Bloemfontein has been cleared, and the road is now fully open to traffic. This is after a collision between a light motor vehicle and a heavy motor vehicle on Saturday.

“Both lanes of the road were affected, and the road was impacted in both directions,” said Free State road incident management systems chairperson Sipho Towa.

“One fatality was confirmed on the scene, and one patient was moderately injured and attended to by emergency services on the scene.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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