SECURITY guards of a cash-in-transit company escaped death yesterday afternoon after a group of armed men opened fire on their vehicle, causing serious damaged to the vehicle.
The driver lost control of his vehicle and had to avoid on-coming traffic on the busy R66 between Gingindlovu and eShowe.
The transit vehicle was travelling towards Gingindlovu when the driver became suspicious of a black Audi following them.
Near Wombane, the Audi overtook the transit vehicle and a man stood up through the sunroof and opened fire with a high calibre firearm.
The driver noticed a bakkie behind them with more armed men on the back.
The bakkie also overtook the transit vehicle and these men also opened fire as their vehicle pulled up alongside the transit vehicle.
The driver was forced to pull off the road at Mvutshini where a large group of armed men demanded that the guards unlock the vehicle and threatened to set it alight with petrol if they did not open.
The guards got out the vehicle and were forced to hand over the key for the safe, after which the robbers helped themselves to several bags of cash and fled.
The police were alerted and gave chase, engaging the robbers causing serious damage to the police vehicles.
No one was injured in the incident and no arrests have yet been made.
The Gingindlovu SAPS is investigating a case of armed robbery and they are calling on anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the Gingindlovu SAPS on 035 3378001.
