Skelms in Gugulethu took advantage when an SBV money van was petrol-bombed by bandits who killed a security guard and robbed his injured colleagues of a gun.
Cops nabbed two men with the stolen firearm a few hours later, while the cash heist robbers are still at large.
The pair, aged 19 and 36, was recorded – on a video which is circulating on social media – stealing a pistol from an injured guard in full view of the community.
This happened minutes after the SBV van was petrol-bombed and robbed of an undisclosed amount of money.
As the guard lay wounded on the side of the road, the community was seen running around the van shouting “we want money”, “come with money” and “take money”.
Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili confirms: “Two men were arrested for possession of a firearm which was identified as one of those robbed from security guards during a cash-in-transit robbery.”
The action on Monday afternoon started when occupants of a Toyota Quantum drove in front of the SBV armoured vehicle.
A witness told the Daily Voice: “The security of SBV was travelling from the direction of Gugulethu Mall in NY6.
“The Quantum was following them and then they bumped into each other and the SBV vehicle turned into NY2.
“After they were stopped, the guards opened the door of the van and a petrol bomb was thrown into the vehicle. The security was still inside the van when the fire started.”
Muridili says in the explosion one of the guards was fatally injured while three others sustained injuries.
“The suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of cash and are yet to be apprehended. DPCI is investigating further.”
SBV Services group chief executive Mark Barrett condemned the robbery and said the company is offering a reward of R1 million for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects who attacked any SBV team.
“In response to this violent and senseless attack, we are calling on communities to work with us to ensure that all those involved are brought to book and feel the full consequences of the law. If you know something, say something.”
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za