Cash-in-transit crime remains one of South Africa’s more persistent security challenges, and industry partnerships between cash management companies and anti-crime campaigners, like SBV Services’ collaboration with activist Yusuf Abramjee, reflect a recognition that this problem needs coordinated effort across the security industry, police and the public, not any single actor working alone.
Why cash-in-transit crime is a distinct security challenge
Attacks on cash-in-transit vehicles surged sharply over recent years, creating a threat that affects the entire cash services value chain, cash management companies, retail banks, and ultimately the businesses and consumers who depend on cash still moving safely through the economy. This isn’t a problem any single security company can solve alone, since attackers adapt their tactics as any one company strengthens its own defences.
Why public awareness campaigns matter alongside security operations
Partnering with a recognised anti-crime voice extends a security company’s message beyond its own industry, raising public awareness and pressure on authorities in a way purely internal security improvements can’t achieve on their own. Public awareness of the scale of an issue, tracked and published attack statistics in particular, can build the kind of sustained pressure needed for a longer-term, multi-stakeholder response.
What this means for businesses handling cash
Businesses that still handle significant cash volumes should treat cash-in-transit security as an evolving risk requiring regular review, not a solved problem, given how frequently attack patterns and criminal tactics change. Reducing reliance on physical cash movement where realistically possible, through digital payment options and secure cash management partners with a demonstrated security track record, remains one of the more practical ways businesses can reduce their own exposure to this risk.
Frequently asked questions
Why is cash-in-transit crime described as a shared industry challenge, not a single company’s problem?
It affects the entire cash services value chain, and attackers adapt their tactics as any single company strengthens its own defences.
Why do security companies partner with public anti-crime campaigners?
It extends their message beyond the security industry, building public awareness and pressure that internal improvements alone can’t achieve.
How has cash-in-transit crime changed over recent years?
Attack numbers have risen sharply in some periods, reflecting a persistent and evolving threat rather than a solved or static problem.
Should businesses handling cash treat security as a one-time fix?
No, cash-in-transit security requires regular review given how frequently attack patterns and criminal tactics change.
What practical steps can businesses take to reduce cash-related security risk?
Reducing reliance on physical cash movement through digital payments, and partnering with cash management providers with a demonstrated security track record.
Originally published in April 2018. Updated September 2026.
Community and business safety context via the South African Police Service.
