Two security guards were set alight by a gang during a cash-in-transit-heist.

Two security guards were set alight by a gang during a cash-in-transit-heist.

Sipho Jeffrey Nkosi, 32, and Skhumbuzo Prince Nkuna, 30, both employees of G4 Security company, were in Malelane near Nelspruit when they were attacked by a heavily armed gang on Monday evening.

Captain Leonard Hlathi of Mpumalanga organised crime and commercial units said they were travelling between Jeppes Reef and Tonga Road when three vehicles - two bakkies and a sedan - overtook them.

"One of the bakkies suddenly made a U-turn and blocked the road. Its occupants pointed firearms at the guards and ordered them to get out of the vehicle," Hlathi said.

"They both refused and the gunmen took out a container with petrol and poured it over their vehicle and set it alight.

"Both (guards) jumped out but were apprehended, doused with petrol and set alight."

Hlathi said the two guards sustained severe burns and were recovering in hospital.

The gunmen fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.