KZN: Men attack security officers in cash-in-transit robbery

Heavily armed men robbed IZI Cash security officers in a cash-in-transit robbery in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday, 17 February 2025. According to Reaction Unit South Africa, shoppers in the Central Business District flooded Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) with phone calls, reporting that a cash-in-transit robbery had occurred.

ARMED MEN ROB IZI SECURITY OFFICERS OF CASH

After receiving numerous phone calls from shoppers, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to the scene. Upon arriving, they noticed that two security officers were held at gunpoint.

“Two security officers were held at gunpoint and robbed of their firearms and a bag of cash while walking out of a wholesaler. Both officers from IZI Cash were also assaulted,” said RUSA.

A witness said that some of the suspects were wearing bulletproof jackets and were heavily armed with rifles and handguns.

The witness said, “A silver VW Polo or Golf with registration plates BP68GP-ZN was used by the suspects.”

Speaking to The South African, Reaction Unit South Africa spokesperson Prem Balram stated that no arrests have been made yet.

Two weeks ago, on 4 February 2025, a cash-in-transit incident occurred in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. According to IOL, several people were left injured while one suspect was shot dead.

The incident occurred on the N2 when a cash-in-transit vehicle was forced off the road and overturned. It is alleged that the suspects blew up the vehicle with fire, resulting in three security officers facing injuries. 

LIMPOPO CASH-IN-TRANSIT SUSPECT RE-ARRESTED

Matola David Frimino, 53, was re-arrested after being linked to several cash-in-transit robberies. According to The Citizen, the suspect was already in custody for other crimes. 

Frimino was charged with attempted CIT robbery, five counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious property damage, contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition.

After multiple bail applications, Frimino was denied bail and remained in custody.

CASH-IN-TRANSIT ROBBERIES STATS

In cash-in-transit robberies, Excellerate Services reported that cash-in-transit robberies decreased from 64 in 2022/2023 to 40 in the 2023/2024 report, a 35.5% difference. However, truck hijackings increased by 5.3%, from 435 cases to 458. KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng were the leading provinces for truck hijackings.

Approximately 57.5% of cash-in-transit robberies occurred on the road, during the armoured vehicle’s travel. In more than 15 cross-pavement CIT robberies, suspects would threaten security guards while they returned to the armoured vehicle after collecting money.

Which strategies do you think can be implemented to prevent cash-in-transit robberies?

Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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