Thobeka Ngema|Published
As cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies grow increasingly violent across South Africa, industry leaders are pushing for a fundamental shift from reactive security measures to intelligence-led law enforcement.
While private security firms continue to invest heavily in armoured vehicles, advanced technology, and specialised tactical teams, industry experts warn that physical defences alone cannot stem the tide of heavily armed criminal syndicates.
Recent attacks in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal on September 7 left four security guards dead and two injured, highlighting the brutal tactics of heavily armed syndicates using explosives and high-powered weapons.
Cash-in-Transit Association of South Africa (CITASA) head Grant Clark explained that while the industry, in conjunction with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA), produced security standards in Government Gazette No. 52013, individual companies also establish their own additional standards based on the specific risks associated with their operational deployments.
“It is, however, the view of CITASA that we need to concentrate on the criminal elements that are carrying out these heinous attacks that are killing our members and for law enforcement to put measures in place to apprehend these perpetrators before they get the opportunity to commit these attacks,” Clark said.
He was concerned that the industry was more reactive than proactive, and this was due to the lack of credible information.
He said that almost all these criminals are out on bail for similar or the same offences, which is also extremely concerning.
“We call on the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] to establish special courts and trained prosecutors to deal with this serious and violent crime. We need to keep repeat offenders who continue to commit these offences behind bars,” Clark said.
“We need to deal with CIT incidents decisively, as this service is critical to the economy of our country.”
Clark noted that while the industry continuously invests in advanced vehicle designs, protective equipment, and tactical deployments, physical defenses alone remain insufficient.
“However, the criminal element continues to operate in large groups, with high-powered firearms, explosives, and a clear mission to get away with cash,” Clark said, reiterating that through their collaborative effort with law enforcement, they need to deal decisively with these perpetrators.
“We need to stop the loss of life among our staff and make the transportation of cash safer to support our economy.”
Clark said that even ‘unsuccessful’ attempts, where no cash is stolen, carry severe human and economic tolls, including fatalities, equipment theft, and compromised infrastructure.
“Such incidents also have wider economic consequences, placing an additional burden on the South African economy,” Clark said.
Similarly, Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann said it continuously strengthens and enhances its security strategies through the ongoing advancement of onboard vehicle technology, the deployment of more robust and reinforced vehicles, continuous and in-depth training of CIT officers, "and the integration of aerial support, tactical ground teams, and intelligence-led operations.”
He said the multi-layered approach has contributed to a strong operational success rate and remains central to their efforts to protect their people and the assets entrusted to them.
Bartmann said recent CIT attacks highlight the extreme and unacceptable level of violence faced by CIT crews in South Africa. Their officers go to work daily to perform an essential service, but they are increasingly placed in the crosshairs of heavily armed criminal syndicates.
“We condemn these attacks in the strongest possible terms. The deliberate targeting of people simply doing their jobs is completely unacceptable,” Bartmann said.
He said they are working closely with the SAPS and other law enforcement authorities as investigations continue, and commended the police officers who responded to these incidents and who continue to pursue those responsible.