The original single cab version of the LSV was launched at the 2023 edition of Securex two years ago. It features a cab armoured to B6 level, which provides protection against assault rifles, including the AK-47 (7.62×39 mm), R5 (5.56×45 mm) and R1 (7.52×51 mm). The Mahindra Pik Up-based vehicle is one of the most cost effective ballistic protected patrol vehicles on the market, costing less than R1 million for the base model. Available in 2×4 or 4×4 configuration, the vehicle is ideally suited for patrolling and guarding operations.

The double cab LSV was officially launched on Wednesday 4 June, at the offices of a private security contractor – its launch customer. It is powered by a 2.2 litre diesel engine driving a six-speed automatic transmission. GVM is 3 450 kg.

Nadine Rynners, Integrated Convoy Protection CEO, said there has been a lot of interest in the LSV from the African market, especially as there is a trend towards smaller, lighter vehicles. Feedback from single cab users has been excellent, she added, but believes there is a bigger requirement for a double cab as it can be used for example by canine units, or to carry extra equipment.

At Securex 2025, ICP REVA also displayed its next-generation REVA Super Bulk high value security vehicle and UD-based Retail cash in transit vehicle. Since they were launched two years ago, they have been significantly upgraded: the Super Bulk carrier is larger and offers unrivalled overmatch protection against both ballistic and blast threats, while the Retail version is available with a new drivetrain, increasing engine power by 50%.

The REVA Super Bulk CIT vehicle features a full STANAG Level 1 (kinetic energy) protected armoured body with a low centre of gravity. With a GVM just below 16 tons, it is fitted with next-generation blast-tested safes, increasing blast protection. The protected payload has been increased by a third. It is powered by a Cummins 5.9 litre diesel engine developing 230 hp, driving a six-speed Allison 2500P automatic transmission.

The Retail CIT vehicle is powered by a 5.1 litre UD diesel engine providing 210 hp and paired with a six-speed Allison 2500P automatic transmission. This vehicle also provides STANAG Level 1 protection at a GVM of 9 tons.

The Super Bulk and Retail CIT vehicles at Securex 2025 were both in Fidelity colours as the security company is the launch customer. Rynners said Fidelity is “very satisfied” with the vehicles.

Drawing on its extensive military experience countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and manufacturing military vehicles, Integrated Convoy Protection has also developed blast resistant safes, which are developed specifically for the cash in transit industry to protect against bombings. The safes have undergone several rounds of blast testing by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and have successfully withstood several CIT bombings in operation over the past year and half.

The safe range has been expanded and at this year’s Securex ICP launched a new range of Kaboom custom-built safes, which comply to SANAS (South African National Accreditation System). These can be built to customer specifications or on standard specifications and have attracted a lot of interest, especially from security companies and gun shop owners, Rynners said.

Also showcased for the security industry at Securex was the REVA Security vehicle, based on the REVA III armoured personnel carrier (APC). Rynners said many have been sold in South Africa, particularly to security companies providing protection services to mining companies. At the show, the vehicle was fitted with a gunshot detection system, rapid response drones, and a command and control centre supplied by local company Risk Diversion, which offers digital forensics and other services.

ICP REVA is pushing hard into the growing commercial security vehicle market, and has a 50:50 spread between civil and military sectors. “There has been very good growth in South Africa,” Rynners said. “The local security market has exploded and we are very fortunate to have gotten involved in that.”

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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.

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What started as a strategic partnership three years ago has now blossomed into a security partnership in earnest. The passing on of an innovative technological system from CITASA to the Hawks is a watershed, one founded on innovation, partnership, and an unwavering determination to safeguard South Africa’s citizens and resources from the scourge of cash-in-transit (CIT) heists.

This partnership has a larger story to tell – a story of how modern law enforcement is adopting collaboration and digitalisation to uproot criminal empires that have for centuries exploited systemic loopholes.

A crisis meets a convergence

Cash-in-transit heists are among South Africa’s most violent crimes. The image of armoured vehicles being ambushed on highways, daylight shootouts, and meticulously organised assaults on cash depots and centres has gripped national headlines for years. These heists are not only brutal, but they are also economically devastating, robbing millions of rands from the economy annually and putting the lives of security guards and civilians at risk.

CITASA was formed in November 2021 amid a growing need to unite industry players and bring coordinated structure to what had been a fragmented security industry. The organisation, since its inception, sought positive engagement with law enforcement agencies to curb a crisis that was spinning out of control.

That engagement has borne fruit.

The initial interventions of CITASA were providing data analytics to SAPS and the Hawks, through enhanced CCTV analysis and cellphone forensics. These have assisted in securing vital convictions in high-profile cases. However, the journey did not conclude there.

From tactical coordination to strategic integration

The latest technology transfer reflects an integration of private intelligence more deeply into public policing structures. The system – whose technical details remain confidential –

contains predictive analytics software that can pinpoint high-risk zones, map movement patterns of syndicates, and automate real-time alerts if suspicious CIT activity is detected.

Lieutenant General (Dr/Adv) Godfrey Lebeya, National Head of Hawks, also highlighted the strategic value of the partnership: “As criminals intensify their game, so too must we as the DPCI, our equipment, our methods, and our alliances,” he said.

“The embrace of high-technology is no longer an option – it is an imperative.”

This perspective forms part of a broader trend within South Africa’s crime-combatting infrastructure. Policing is no longer solely about visibility and arrest; it is about data, foresight, and multi-sectoral prowess. This partnership between the Hawks and CITASA is proof of that.

Results that speak

Cash-in-transit robberies have reduced by 18% year over year since 2022, according to statistics from the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC). The authorities credit it to improved coordination of intelligence and prompt post-incident response times, both being products of the Hawks-CITASA partnership.

CITASA Chairperson Thabo Mokoena recently stated in another briefing that the technological leap “gives our entire industry a fighting chance”.

He added: “For too long, we’ve been responding to crime. This system enables us to predict, prepare, and pre-empt. It’s a game-changer.”

Another milestone of the partnership has been the collaborative development of a nationwide database of CIT-related crimes, consolidating data from banks, security agencies, and police forces across the country. The consolidated data structure has enabled investigators to connect crimes between provinces, track movement patterns of suspects, and disrupt syndicate activities more efficiently.

Community, innovation, and a shared future

Aside from technology, the partnership between DPCI and CITASA is an example of what South Africa’s security architecture can be: collaborative, inclusive, and proactive. Partnership policing – a theoretical concept hidden in policy papers for so long – is now a living, breathing phenomenon, founded on trust and collaborative expertise.

The DPCI’s broader mandate is to probe organised crime, economic crimes, and corruption. Through the support of CITASA, the Hawks now have capacity not only to neutralise cash-in-transit robberies but to dismantle the networks behind them -networks that are often involved in drug trade, money laundering, and illegal arms trading.

Yet although technology and inter-agency intelligence sharing are the cornerstones of this success, representatives unanimously agree that community policing is still essential.

“There is no technology that can substitute trust of communities,” Brigadier Mpho Motloung, head of strategic operations in the DPCI, told media recently.

“We call on South Africans to be vigilant, to report suspicious activities, and to pride ourselves in safeguarding our common future.”

A National Imperative

The project has generated interest from police authorities in the region and already initial discussions are underway to replicate the Hawks-CITASA model in neighboring SADC nations. Should it succeed, South Africa can emerge as a continental pace-setter in public-private policing innovation.

In a nation fighting various fronts of crime – from state capture to gang violence – the word of this collaboration is unequivocal: the war against crime is not one the police can win. It necessitates the active involvement of business, civil society, and citizens. As Lieutenant General Lebeya so aptly phrased it, “Together, through vigilance, collaboration, and innovation, we can and will secure a safer South Africa”.

Ultimately, the beefed-up collaboration between the Hawks and CITASA is not just a press statement – it is a national security doctrine in the works. And in a world in which criminals continuously evolve, law enforcement must be flexible, smart, and willing to cooperate. South Africa’s fight against violent crime has hit a new frontier. With innovative technology, cross-sector collaboration, and a unified effort, the nation is taking back its authority – one data point, one conviction, one safe convoy at a time.

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated the operation’s success was due to proactive efforts of crime intelligence, which provided crucial information about the suspects’ intentions.

“This information enabled a joint team to operationalise and strategically position themselves along the R545 Road, heading to Ogies. Upon spotting the suspects attempting to carry out the robbery in a white Mercedes Benz sedan, of which they failed, the members were able to intervene and prevent the attack on the security cash truck,” noted Major General Mkhwanazi.

The suspects then fled the scene in several vehicles including a blue BMW 330i sedan and a charcoal Kia SUV. “A high-speed chase ensued, with law enforcement agencies successfully intercepting the suspects in the Vosman policing area,” notes a statement from SAPS.

During the arrest, suspects were in possession of three AKM style rifles with six magazines, along with 134 live rounds of ammunition, and a 9mm pistol with two magazines. The suspects were also in possession of balaclavas and gloves.

The vehicles used in the attempted robbery were seized for further investigation, with preliminary findings revealing the Mercedes Benz had been reported as stolen in Kabokweni last month.

Several other agencies were involved in the operation, including the tracking teams from Limpopo and Mpumalanga, crime prevention members from Vosman and Fidelity Special Service.

The suspects will face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms and stolen vehicles, and conspiracy to commit a robbery. They are due to appear at Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court, with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) taking over the investigation.

“The confiscated firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether these weapons were not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere hence police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues,” police noted.

Major General Mkhwanazi said this operation once again highlights the dedication and expertise of local law enforcement officers in combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of communities.

“Firstly, we would like to appreciate the collaboration displayed by the team from Limpopo as well as our team from Mpumalanga and not forgetting the Fidelity Special Service which culminated in this magnificent achievement. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with police to fight against criminal activities,” the Major General added.

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Caylin Lee Naidoo was travelling on the N2 near Ifafa on the south coast when he was shot in the head as he approached the heist scene.

Fidelity Services Group chief executive officer Wahl Bartmann said personal safety was a priority if ever in the unfortunate position of being caught near a CIT robbery.

He provided these important safety tips:

• When observing a CIT incident, try and put as much distance between your vehicle and the crime scene
• Do not exit your vehicle as you could get caught in the crossfire. Try to vacate the area if possible.
• Never approach perpetrators of a CIT robbery as they are armed and dangerous. Always remember your own personal safety first.
• Do not place yourself in danger which is inevitable. Criminals may react irrationally when seeing you. Avoid any form of eye or physical contact
• If caught in the vicinity of a CIT robbery make sure that you do not switch off your vehicle in case you need to escape the incident. Keep your engine running at all times
• Share videos that you have taken with the authorities rather than posting them on social media. This could assist with the apprehension of the criminals. Posting on your social media channels which get shared broadly, may in fact jeopardise the case.
• Also remember that while videos and photographs from your phone can be useful, they could put you at risk if the suspects see you filming at the time. Our advice is to be very cautious when attempting to film and incident. It could inadvertently make you a target.
• Immediately notify the police. Contact SAPS when you find yourself in a CIT heist but, remember that it is always about your safety first. The SAPS contact number for emergencies is 10111.
• If you are at a shopping centre and witness a cross-pavement heist near an ATM, the same advice applies. If you are not in your car keep as much distance between yourself and the perpetrators as possible. Rather lie flat on the floor to avoid being caught in the crossfire if any shots are fired. Again, notify the authorities or centre management as quickly as possible.

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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.

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KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police were looking for injured suspects, who fled from the scene on Phoenix Highway. Two suspects were killed during the gunfight.

“Nearby hospitals and medical centres have been informed about the shootout and that they should report any patient with suspected gunshot wounds to the police,” he said.

Netshiunda explained the suspects were linked to a cash-in-transit robbery in Kranskop on Monday afternoon.

“A multidisciplinary team the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), Provincial Tracking and Tracing Team, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and K9 Unit were searching for the suspects who had committed a cash in transit robbery in Kranskop on Monday afternoon.”

Three rifles and a pistol, several rounds of ammunition as well as an undisclosed amount of money were found in possession of the suspects.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda

“After an extensive search throughout the night, the suspects were spotted at Bhamshela in Tongaat early this morning and having defied police’s instruction to stop, a high-speed chase continued.”

The suspects’ vehicle then crashed against a lamp pole along the Phoenix Highway and the suspects got out of the vehicle and started shooting at the police.

“A shootout ensued and two suspects were fatally shot, one next to the vehicle whereas the other was shot inside a residence where he had run into as he continued shooting at the police,” said Netshiunda.

Another suspect was later arrested when he was located at a block of flats with gunshot wounds.

“The search for the other suspects is underway with police following blood stains into the bushes. Though no police officer was injured, a police vehicle was sprayed with bullets from the suspects,” said Netshiunda.

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ALS Paramedics responded to the shooting at 7:40am on the corner of Bertha Mkhize and Joe Slovo Street.

“Paramedics arrived on scene to find the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police and SAPS Search and Rescue officers in attendance and were shown to an injured guard lying on the pavement next to his vehicle,” said spokesman Garrith Jamieson.

Paramedics assessed the man and found that he had sustained a serious gunshot wound to his upper body.

“He was stabilised on the scene by Advanced Life Support Paramedics before being rushed to a nearby Hospital for the further care that he required. At this stage the events leading up to the shooting are unknown however SAPS will be investigating further,” said Jamieson.

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Four men, suspected of being behind a string of cash-in-transit robberies in the province, were shot dead in Camperdown while two others, wanted for intimidation, extortion and other violent crimes, were killed in Mariannhill.

SUSPECTS WHO CHALLENGE THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE BY SHOOTING AT POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE MET WITH THE FORCE PROPORTIONAL TO THEIR ACTIONS.

Brigadier Jay Naicker

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesman Brigadier Jay Naicker said in the first incident, investigations led officers from various units including the Hawks to a property in Camperdown.

“When police announced their arrival at the identified house, they were greeted with a hail of bullets from the suspects. The police officers returned fire and during the shootout, four suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Three firearms were found in the possession of the suspects.”

In the second incident, National Intervention Unit members cornered two people in their hideout in Mariannhill.

“When police pounced on the suspects at their hideout at the Klaarwater Hostel in Mariannhill, the suspects opened fire at the police officers who were stamping the authority of the state. Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded in the shootout. Two firearms were found in the possession of the suspects,” said Naicker. 

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The Ezingolweni Regional Court also found Bonginkosi Mabusela (34), Phelo Mdleleni (47), Sinenhlanhla Mhlamvu (33) guilty of theft of more than R709000. Their accomplice, Zitha Nobhadula died awaiting trial.

During their investigations, seasoned detectives from the Port Shepstone Serious Organised Crime Investigation discovered that the robbers were none other than the security guards, who had collected cash from a depot on 30 April 2021. They were travelling from Port Sheptone to Kokstad.

“Whilst travelling in convoy the other vehicle disappeared and the other one was allegedly intercepted by the suspects. An undisclosed amount of cash and firearms were taken. The witness who was passing by the crime scene was robbed of her cell phone and her vehicle keys were thrown in the bushes. The case was reported at Harding police station and the case docket was allocated to the Hawks for intensive investigation,” said Hawks spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo.

He said detectives established the guards’ involvement when they interviewed them.  

“During the interview, it was established that Mabusela, Mdleleni and Mhlamvu were involved. It was also discovered that they conspired with the former security guard, Nobhadula and his accomplices to stage the robbery. Their houses were searched and R709510 cash was recovered.”

“The four accused were arrested and charged accordingly. They appeared in court and their bail application was successfully opposed. Nobhadula died in prison whilst awaiting trial,” said Mhlongo.

His three co-accused were found guilty on 8 March.

“Mabusela, Mdleleni and Mhlamvu were each sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft, 15 years imprisonment for theft of cash, 10 years imprisonment for theft of firearms, 15 years imprisonment for robbery, five years imprisonment for malicious damage to property and 5 years imprisonment for defeating the ends of justice. “

“The sentence of theft of firearms, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice will run concurrently with other counts,” said Mhlongo.

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