Gauteng man identified after fatal explosion during cash-in-transit heist, losing his leg and body parts

The Hawks in Gauteng have confirmed that the man who allegedly “blew himself up“ with explosives during a failed cash-in-transit heist last week in Thokoza, on the East Rand, has been identified by his family.

IOL News reported that the suspect died in the early hours of Tuesday morning during a botched robbery in Phola Park Extension 5. 

The man reportedly lost his life during the incident in which a group of armed suspects attempted to bomb a cash van.

According to police, at least 10 suspects were involved in the heist. 

The suspects allegedly rammed the cash van with a silver BMW at the intersection of Khumalo and Murubisi streets.

“One of the suspects exited the vehicle with live explosives and attempted to detonate them near the cash van,” said police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect sustained a serious injury during the explosion. The vehicle used in the ramming was left behind.”

Images of the aftermath, including a dislocated leg near the blast site, have circulated widely on social media.

Meanwhile, Hawks spokesperson in Gauteng Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed the death, saying the matter has been handed over to the Hawks for investigation.

“The investigation is still in its early stages, but one of the suspects did blow himself up while trying to detonate the cash van, losing his life in the process,” Mogale told IOL News.

She added that Forensic Pathology Services determined the suspect was killed by the explosion.

“Unfortunately, no Forensic Pathology Service picked up body parts at the scene, (but) at private premises and (a) nearby open veld”

Although the Forensic Pathology Service collected no remains on the scene, Mogale confirmed that the suspect was later identified with the assistance of family members. 

”The body has been identified with the assistance of the family and the investigation continues as no suspects were arrested on the scene,” she added.

No arrests were made at the scene.

At that time, Sibeko confirmed that no money was taken during the attempted robbery. 

The suspects reportedly fled in three other vehicles. 

The Hawks are investigating cases of armed robbery and attempted murder.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News