The Rising Threat of Cash-in-Transit Heists in South Africa

South Africa is facing a growing crisis of violent crime, with cash-in-transit (CIT) heists becoming increasingly common. This alarming trend poses a significant challenge for the government and the people of South Africa, particularly as the country approaches another election year. The latest statistics reveal that the murder rate is at a 20-year high, with more than 27,000 people losing their lives in a year. Shockingly, only 12% of these cases are solved, allowing murderers to escape justice. The high rates of crime, coupled with widespread poverty and unemployment, have intensified the sense of insecurity among the population. One particularly disturbing aspect of this crime wave is the audacious nature of CIT heists. These robberies involve heavily armed gangs deliberately ramming security vans carrying large amounts of cash off busy roads, using explosives to blow open safes and making off with the money. The brazenness of these attacks is underscored by the fact that they often take place in broad daylight, with gangs openly roaming about with automatic weapons while onlookers watch in disbelief. Security experts have likened these groups to terrorist organizations, emphasizing how their well-coordinated operations make it incredibly difficult for security teams to prevent and stop the robberies. Wahl Bartmann, the head of security firm ADT Fidelity, has called on the government to provide more support, highlighting the essential role that CIT services play in the country. These services are responsible for distributing social grants, as well as transporting cash for banks and retailers. Last year alone, fifteen guards from ADT Fidelity were killed during CIT heists. This level of violence has instilled fear in those working in the industry, with one guard admitting that he prays every day to survive. The prevalence of this type of crime has also led to a rise in private security services in South Africa, with security officers now outnumbering the police. In some areas, there has been a “private securitisation of public spaces,” with many individuals and communities resorting to self-help groups, militias, and vigilantism due to a lack of trust in the police. To gain a deeper understanding of the crisis, I accompanied a response team from ADT Fidelity on one of their operations. Equipped with firearms, we ventured into Johannesburg at night, responding to incidents involving armed robbers. On this particular occasion, a vehicle had been stolen, setting off an intense chase. Despite apprehending two men, it turned out that they were not the robbers and were released. The car was eventually located, having been abandoned for a “cooling off period” before the thieves checked to see if they were being pursued. This incident highlights the challenges faced by both private security teams and the police in combating CIT heists. The alarming rise in violent crime has placed pressure on the ruling African National Congress, which has governed South Africa for the past 30 years. The murder rate had initially declined in the years following the end of apartheid but has since risen by 62%, reaching levels not seen in two decades. Similarly, the detection rates for murder cases have fallen by 55% since 2012, resulting in a dishearteningly low number of solved cases. In response to these challenges, the government has embarked on a recruitment drive, aiming to add thousands of new police officers to the force. However, with crime rates at such alarming levels, there is an urgent need for even greater action. Bheki Cele, the Minister for the Police, acknowledges the gravity of the situation and emphasizes that violent crime is not unique to South Africa, referencing a recent robbery involving a football player in the UK. While crime is indeed a global issue, the violent crime rates in South Africa far exceed international standards, necessitating swift and decisive action. As it stands, the wave of violence gripping South Africa shows no sign of subsiding anytime soon.