Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal are quietly turning into danger zones—and no, it’s not crime in the ordinary sense. It’s targeted, calculated, almost military-like cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies that are spreading like wildfire. Explosions, high-powered rifles, bullet-riddled security vans, and traumatised guards—this is now a weekly occurrence in some areas of South Africa.
In the first half of 2025 alone, nearly 100 CIT heists were recorded nationwide, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal leading the pack by a razor-thin margin. According to the Cash-in-Transit Association of South Africa (Citasa), Gauteng is currently responsible for 34% of these robberies, with KwaZulu-Natal sitting at 33%. That’s two of South Africa’s busiest provinces sharing the top spot in a war no one openly signed up for.
Grant Clark, the head of Citasa, has warned that these criminals are not confined to borders. “CIT robbers execute CIT robberies across provincial lines,” he said. “The trend could continue as we’ve already seen new robberies in provinces like the Free State this July.”
That warning felt chillingly accurate when another CIT robbery shook Pietermaritzburg, KZN, just days ago.
A 12-man gang swooped in, armed with AK-47s and other high-calibre rifles. Within minutes, a secure cash delivery vehicle was bombed and raided. Witnesses described multiple detonations. When the dust settled, one security officer was bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds, another was in shock. Their firearms and ammunition? Stolen. The suspects? Vanished—again.
These aren't smash-and-grab operations. They're tactical, heavily armed assaults. According to the Mi7 National Group, which responded to the Murray Road incident, the gang used three to four vehicles and had an escape plan so swift it left little trace. Mi7 advanced medics stabilised the critically injured guard before rushing him to hospital.
A third officer—uninjured but deeply shaken—was found wandering the area, dazed.
The KwaZulu Private Ambulance (KZPA) service later confirmed this wasn’t their first CIT response that week. Just days earlier, a similar attack occurred on the R34 in Vryheid. While no one was injured in that incident, it sent a fresh wave of fear across the region. These events are no longer “rare” — they’re routine.
Citasa says there has been a slight decline in robberies due to better coordination, upgraded armoured fleets, and armed teams fighting back. But there’s a twist: many of these robbers are repeat offenders—out on bail or parole. And they’re not just coming back... they’re coming back smarter, more aggressive, and more prepared.
Clark believes these criminals learn fast, often testing the limits of law enforcement’s response. It’s why the CIT industry is pushing back—hard. Teams are being trained to resist, with defensive driving, live-fire response, and cross-team collaboration becoming standard.
Still, it’s not enough.
Because until the public, police, and justice system are all working as one, the threat won’t go away. The average South African may never ride in an armoured truck—but that doesn’t mean the crossfire won’t reach you. A schoolchild, a petrol attendant, or just someone driving home late at night—anyone near the blast zone is at risk.
And while most of us scroll past these stories on the news, the families of wounded guards, the civilians caught in the chaos, and the officers risking their lives are still living the aftermath long after the scene is cleared.
So what can be done?
That’s the question we all need to ask.
Because this isn’t just a “security industry issue.” This is about public safety, policing strength, and how quickly our country can adapt to a threat that keeps changing form.
If there’s one thing to take from this—it’s that no armoured van is ever truly safe anymore.
And if Gauteng and KZN are today’s hotspots, where’s next?
The robbers are already planning it.
Let’s talk:
Have you witnessed or been near a cash-in-transit robbery? How safe do you feel in your community?
Leave your comment below or vote in our quick poll: Should South Africa militarise its CIT responses? Yes or No?
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Sources:
Cash-in-transit crime hotspots revealed
Mi7 National Group Statement
KwaZulu Private Ambulance update
Tags: #CITRobbery #SouthAfricaCrime #GautengNews #KZNNews #SecurityCrisis #DailyPulseNews #HeistWatch #CITAlert
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