Hawks arrest two after Hazyview Mall cash-in-transit robbery; getaway car seized

Two men have been arrested in Mpumalanga in connection with a cash-in-transit robbery at Hazyview Mall, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) the Hawks said. The arrests follow an incident on 19 September 2026 in which an undisclosed amount of cash was taken and a security officer was injured.

How the suspects were traced

Police said investigations led officers to an area known as Marite, where the first suspect was traced. “Although he was initially not found at his residence, further leads directed the team to another address, where he was located and questioned. During questioning, the suspect allegedly provided information linking another individual to the crime,” police said.

Acting on that information, investigators moved to the Mkhuhlu area, where the second suspect lived. The authorities said the getaway vehicle was found parked outside his premises and was seized.

Evidence and charges

Police said the seized vehicle bore marks and a dent consistent with details documented during the initial investigation. The vehicle was taken as part of the ongoing probe.

The two men, aged 32 and 38, face charges of cash-in-transit robbery and are expected to appear in court once administrative procedures are completed, police said.

Agencies and response

The arrests were made by the Hawks’ Nelspruit Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), in collaboration with the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Crime Intelligence.

Major General Nico Gerber, the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the DPCI, welcomed the arrests and emphasised an intelligence-led approach to organised crime. He said:

“Police remain resolute in their mandate to investigate serious and organised crime, follow every lead and ensure that those suspected of criminal activities are brought before the courts to answer for their alleged actions.”

Broader context

Police figures cited in the report said that between January and mid-August 2026, almost 120 cash-in-transit robberies occurred, with the majority in Gauteng (42%) and KwaZulu-Natal (23%). In 32% of those incidents no cash was taken, although police recorded deaths, firearm theft, equipment losses and vehicle hijackings in some cases.

The Hawks said the investigation into the Hazyview Mall robbery is ongoing.