At the recent Evidence-Based Policing South Africa Conference in Cape Town, Dr Alice Maree of the Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa (CITASA) delivered a presentation on the state of cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies in South Africa. Her address outlined the scale, impact and ongoing challenges posed by these violent crimes, emphasizing their detrimental effects on the economy, public safety and social stability.
CIT robberies in South Africa stand apart from similar crimes globally due to the extraordinary levels of violence involved. Maree said that CIT robberies are not a normal crime phenomenon and that it deeply affects South Africa’s economy and every citizen’s daily life.
The definition of CIT robbery, as adopted by CITASA, involves the unlawful and intentional removal of cash under the control of CIT employees, accompanied by violence. This violence often includes bombings, the use of high-calibre firearms and targeted attacks on armoured vehicles.
Maree highlighted the unique structure of CIT robbery syndicates. Unlike traditional organised crime, these criminals are often loosely connected and operate based on specialised skills. For instance, bombers with expertise in explosives may work with multiple groups.
She pointed out a critical challenge in law enforcement: A robber might appear to be a first-time offender because it’s the first time they’ve been arrested, but they’ve often committed multiple robberies. This misconception can lead to bail being granted for individuals who are, in reality, repeat offenders with histories of violent crimes such as business robberies and home invasions.
Moreover, CIT robbers often face related charges, including possession of illegal firearms, explosives and stolen vehicles, further complicating prosecution.
Maree emphasised the importance of understanding the spatial dynamics of CIT robberies. These crimes are typically planned with escape routes in mind, often occurring near on- and off-ramps, rural areas or informal settlements where criminals can hide or access safe houses.
Using spatial analysis allows CITASA to identify high-risk areas and focus resources effectively. Escape routes are central to how these crimes are orchestrated.
Maree’s presentation drew attention to statistical trends, illustrating the evolving nature of CIT crimes. Between 2017 and 2023, South Africa experienced a 21% reduction in CIT robberies, a decline attributed to intensified collaboration between law enforcement and industry stakeholders. However, this progress has not been uniform.
The financial impact of CIT robberies is staggering. In 2023 alone, 77% of armoured vehicles targeted were bombed, resulting in losses exceeding R200 million. Each armoured vehicle costs approximately R1.5 to R1.7 million and the destruction caused by explosives necessitates rebuilding from scratch.
The human cost is equally devastating. These crimes frequently result in injuries and fatalities among CIT personnel and bystanders. Maree noted that the availability of illegal firearms and explosives compounds the challenge, enabling criminals to execute increasingly sophisticated attacks.
To combat the growing threat, the CIT industry has implemented a range of preventative measures, from reinforcing armoured vehicles to cross-pavement devices designed to mark stolen cash with dye. Training and vetting of employees are also key components of the industry’s response.
However, Maree stressed that collaboration is essential. The offenders operate across provincial and even national borders, making coordinated action essential. The sharing of information between police, industry players and even the public is critical.
CITASA has worked closely with law enforcement, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), to establish joint task teams. These teams analyse crime patterns, issue early warnings and link cases to facilitate prosecutions. Additionally, public hotlines have been introduced to encourage citizen reporting of suspicious activity.
The industry has also intensified its focus on offender profiling, using intelligence to identify high-risk individuals and track their movements. Collaboration with manufacturers has led to the development of better-protected vehicles, though criminals have countered with more powerful explosives.
Despite the challenges, there have been successes. Convictions and arrests have increased, while injuries and fatalities have decreased. Maree highlighted a 30% decrease in robberies since the implementation of key collaborative initiatives.
Nevertheless, she urged continued vigilance, noting that even if the numbers decrease, the industry cannot relax. Vigilance and innovation remain critical.
