Chaos on the N2: Cash-in-transit robbery shuts down Durban highway

What started as an ordinary Wednesday morning commute in Durban quickly spiralled into sirens, gunfire and gridlocked traffic.

The N2 southbound near the NPC Cement factory was shut down after an alleged cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery unfolded shortly after dawn, leaving two security guards wounded one fighting for his life.

For many motorists, the first sign that something was wrong was the sudden standstill between the M7 and Edwin Swales off-ramp. Then came the flashing blue lights and the distant thrum of a helicopter overhead.

Visuals from the Cash-in- Transit robbery on the N2 South Bound near the NPC Cement Factory South of Durban.https://t.co/1ZIuVgT9A2#ArriveAlive #Crime #CIT @AlsParamedics pic.twitter.com/hx4UXBZDf6

Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 4, 2026

Gunfire at daybreak

According to ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the shooting happened at around 5:30am.

Initial reports suggested multiple security officers had been shot. When paramedics arrived, they found what Jamieson described as a chaotic scene.

Two security officials had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. One was critically injured and required urgent advanced care. The Netcare 911 medical helicopter was activated to airlift him to a nearby hospital as quickly as possible.

The second guard, seriously wounded, was stabilised on scene by advanced life support paramedics before being transported by ambulance for further treatment.

Cash-In-Transit robbery on the N2 South Higginson Highwayhttps://t.co/gI3rJPYo8c#ArriveAlive #Crime @LiveTrafficNPC pic.twitter.com/LfeabLbm8J

Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 4, 2026

Highway sealed off

The N2 southbound was immediately closed from the M7 Edwin Swales off-ramp to allow emergency crews and investigators access to the crime scene.

Motorists were urged to avoid the area entirely, with traffic backing up as alternative routes struggled to cope with the sudden surge.

Police from the South African Police Service (SAPS) were on scene combing the area as part of the ongoing investigation. By mid-morning, officials confirmed the highway would remain closed for some time while evidence was gathered.

For a city already familiar with traffic disruptions, the closure added another layer of frustration to an otherwise routine weekday.

Two guards have been wounded in a cash heist on the N2 southbound near the NPC cement factory.https://t.co/UVXOBkn3mc#ArriveAlive #Crime #CIT @AlsParamedics @Netcare911_sa pic.twitter.com/aXaFYhBoG8

Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 4, 2026

A crime that keeps repeating

Cash-in-transit robberies are not new to KwaZulu-Natal or South Africa more broadly. Over the years, these brazen attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and often violent, putting security personnel and bystanders at risk.

Social media lit up within minutes of the incident, with commuters sharing videos of the blocked highway and helicopter hovering overhead. Many expressed anger that such incidents continue to unfold on major routes during peak traffic hours.

Others voiced concern for the injured guards, whose job it is to protect large sums of money under high-risk conditions.

The human cost

Beyond the flashing lights and dramatic scenes lies a sobering reality: two men went to work before sunrise and ended up in hospital.

One remains in critical condition.

As investigations continue, authorities have not yet released details about suspects or arrests. For now, the focus remains on securing the crime scene and ensuring the wounded receive the care they need.

For Durban residents, the morning served as another reminder of how quickly normal life can be disrupted and how exposed even the busiest highways can be to violent crime.

Motorists are advised to monitor traffic updates and avoid the affected stretch of the N2 until it is fully reopened.