South Africa's cash-in-transit industry is at a critical juncture, facing a series of challenges highlighted by recent events. From a failed heist in Soshanguve to a heartbreaking incident involving security guards in Midrand, and the sentencing of OR Tambo CIT robbers, the need for effective solutions has never been more urgent. This documentary examines these incidents and the broader crisis affecting cash transportation in South Africa.
On November 13, 2025, a group of approximately 15 armed suspects attempted a brazen cash-in-transit robbery in Soshanguve, north of Tshwane. The suspects rammed the cash van with a Mercedes-Benz, fired shots, and even used explosives in an attempt to breach the vehicle. Despite their efforts, they were unable to access the cash. Frustrated, they stole the security officers' firearms and fled the scene in multiple getaway cars. Fortunately, no one was injured during the attempted heist. Police are currently investigating the incident and searching for the suspects. This failed attempt underscores the risks and challenges faced by criminals targeting cash-in-transit vehicles.
Tragically, on the same day, a separate incident occurred in Midrand, Gauteng, involving three security guards from the same company. Following their shift, the guards were socializing when an argument erupted. The situation escalated when one of the guards, a 36-year-old, fatally shot his two colleagues, aged 29 and 31, before turning the firearm on himself. Paramedics arrived at the scene to find all three men deceased. Gauteng police have opened two murder cases and an inquest to investigate the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event. The incident has left families grieving and raises questions about the pressures and challenges faced by security personnel in the cash-in-transit industry.
These recent incidents are part of a larger trend of cash-in-transit crimes in South Africa. On November 12, 2025, a 45-year-old suspect, wanted for multiple cash-in-transit crimes, was killed in a shoot-out with police in KwaZulu-Natal. The Hawks unit pursued the suspect on Kassier Road near the Shongweni Club, resulting in a confrontation at the Hillcrest offramp. The suspect was fatally wounded and was wanted for an attempted murder case from 2025 in Estcourt, a 2024 heist in Mzimkhulu, and another 2025 heist in Winterton. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating the incident.
Furthermore, on November 5, 2025, five suspects robbed a cash-in-transit vehicle at Somerset Crossing shopping centre outside Lwandle. The suspects, posing as customers, targeted two security personnel delivering money to a discount supermarket. They held the guards at gunpoint, stole cash bags, and made their escape in waiting vehicles. The suspects made off with an undisclosed amount of cash and two service pistols. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.
Looking back at past cases, Phiwokuhle Msuthu and Lundi Gumenge were sentenced to life imprisonment for their involvement in a series of cash-in-transit robberies in the OR Tambo district. The crimes, which occurred in 2015, resulted in the death of Mnikelo Nqeto, a Fidelity Security Services employee. The two men were found guilty of murder, attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The case highlights the long-term consequences for those involved in these crimes.
This documentary explores the factors contributing to the cash-in-transit crisis in South Africa, including the involvement of organized crime networks, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the pressures on security personnel. We delve into the statistics, trends, and strategies used by criminals, as well as the efforts being made to combat these crimes.
What do you think could be the most effective way to finally curb these cash-in-transit robberies in South Africa—stronger policing, better economic opportunities, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
#SouthAfricaLatestNews, #BreakingNews, #Documentary, #CITHeist, #CashInTransit, #SouthAfricaCrime, #NewsDocumentary, #MnikeloNqeto, #PhiwokuhleMsuthu, #LundiGumenge
Follow Us on Twitter
