The cash-in-transit (CIT) industry is fighting a silent war akin to terrorism, Fidelity Services Group chief executive officer Wahl Bartmann said on Thursday.

Bartmann told ProtectionWeb cash-in-transit heists were taking a toll on the industry.

“We have spent millions on upgrading our vehicles, protective clothing and advanced artificial intelligence and tech as well as additional air and land support but the attacks continue unabated,” he said.

There have been several CIT heists in KwaZulu-Natal, with two gunfights this week alone.

Bartmann said this did not indicate that there was an increase in CIT robberies in the province.

“CIT attacks migrate from region to region and Fidelity places supporting road and air teams according to the risk threat.”

“Within the Fidelity footprint we fortunately have not experienced a surge in attacks in this specific region,” he said.

However, CIT robberies continue to occur all over South Africa.

“We are still seeing a great deal of unemployment and financial strain as evidenced by all the latest research coming out. As people become more desperate, crime escalates and that is what we are seeing now, unfortunately.” 

“Crime fighting needs to be done in an organised and collaborative manner. We have a strong and positive relationship with agencies such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks. It is impossible to tackle crime in isolation and we pride ourselves in our close collaboration between SAPS, the private security sector, communities and business,” said Bartmann.

Meanwhile, a KwaZulu-Natal police officer survived a hail of bullets when CIT robbers fired at him on the N2 near KwaMashu on Thursday morning.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said an unknown number of suspects, who were travelling in multiple vehicles and targeting a cash delivery truck, without any notice opened fire at the police officer’s unmarked bakkie, which was driving behind the money vehicle.

“The police officer, who was on his way to an early operation in Inanda, and wearing his protective gear, tactically returned fire, found his way out of the vehicle and took cover. The officer also managed to stop other motorists who could have become unsuspecting victims of the brazen criminals who went on to blow the truck open and made way with an undisclosed amount of money.”

“Cash in transit security guards were left unharmed although they were robbed of their three firearms, one of which was a rifle. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” he said.