WATCH: Police on scene of CIT heist in Tembisa

Police are monitoring the scene of a cash-in-transit (CIT) heist in Tembisa.

It is understood criminals used explosives to blow up a CIT van in Esselen Park early on Wednesday morning.

Traffic has been heavily congested with the main road between New Road and Sam Molele Drive in Liliba Section closed.

Watch police on the scene of a CIT heist

Alternative routes

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) spokesperson Marie Mashishi has urged motorists to use an alternative route.

“Due to cash-in-transit in Tembisa area, the Saps members are in charge of the scene. The road is temporarily closed between New Road and Sam Molele Drive in Liliba section.

“We urged motorists to use a link road towards Esselen Park just before Tembisa licensing department. EMPD officers are on scene diverting traffic,” said Mashishi.

Police are also combing the scene as the investigation into the heist continues.

ALSO READ: Joburg syndicate: Portuguese man rescued after kidnapping ordeal – one arrested

Kidnapping

Meanwhile, a 49-year-old Portuguese national who was kidnapped was rescued by police and private security in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

It is understood businessman Mark Ramos was kidnapped outside his business in Albertina Sisulu Road in Florida, west of Johannesburg, last week by seven men who pulled into the parking area with two Mercedes-Benzes.

The Madeiran businessman was forced into one of the vehicles at gunpoint by the suspect before they sped off.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the South African Police Services (Saps) anti-kidnapping task team, including other law enforcement agencies and private security, have been working around the clock to find the Portuguese national. He was found unharmed.

“On Monday evening, 1 July 2024, the team traced the victim to a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he had been in captivity. On the same evening, members also arrested one of his captors in Turffontein, Johannesburg.”

ALSO READ: Tshwane cops nab over 500 suspects in joint operations