South Africa: M1 highway closed in Johannesburg following police shootout, Sept. 28

Event

The M1 in southwestern Johannesburg is currently closed between Xavier Street and Booysens Road due to an ongoing police investigation, Sept. 28. This follows a shootout between cash-in-transit robbers and police late Sept. 27, which resulted in at least one of the suspects killed and two injured.

Heightened security is likely to continue in the area in the coming hours. Road travel disruptions and congestion delays stemming from the police investigation are likely, especially along the M1 and possibly the nearby N12.

Context

Cash-in-transit (CIT) heists are common in South Africa, especially in Gauteng Province. Between April 2023-June 2023, 60 instances of CIT attacks were reported nationwide, 11 in Gauteng alone. These often occur on South Africa's provincial highways between urban areas, especially along the N1, N3, N17, N12, and N4. Attacks are often violent, posing a significant incidental threat to bystanders.

Because of the prevalence of informal or illegal economies in South Africa, cash remains the prime means of commerce for many businesses, especially in lower-income areas. Cash transport vehicles often travel long distances across South Africa's provincial highways. These vehicles usually travel alone, with only two or three security personnel on board, making them prime targets for criminal syndicates. Syndicates are well-armed, and engagements with security personnel occur often, sometimes resulting in high numbers of casualties.

Advice

Avoid the area of the shooting until authorities give the all-clear. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the affected area and any related disruptions. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the affected area. Maintain heightened vigilance. Adhere to all instructions issued by local officials.