Cash-in-transit heists must stop

The spate of cash-in-transit heists taking place in the country and in particular Gauteng are of grave concern.

The broad daylight attack by armed criminals who are brazen and emboldened should be condemned by all South Africans who are concerned about the increased rate of crime. Within five months, more than 100 heists have taken place and last week in Gauteng there were more than five.

When state institutions are used for political and factional battles this is what happens. The criminals have a field day and do as they please including stealing, robbing, hijacking, and killing innocent women and children.

Our security agents should do what is enshrined in our constitution which is to protect and serve with pride all citizens.

The new leadership in the police, crime intelligence and the Hawks must deal with all the problems that have besieged these institutions over the past 10 years. They must quickly outline a turnaround strategy that, among others, deals with all the rogue elements within these institutions.

Under Police Minister Bheki Cele we must ensure that the police service regains the confidence of the public to serve and protect.

The book by Anneliese Burgess titled Heist is an interesting read on how some armed guards within cash-intransit companies connive with criminals in these heists. This includes some of the police and soldiers. There are even allegations that there are some in the justice system who work with these criminals. These allegations must be taken seriously and investigated and those responsible brought to book.

Mafika Siphiwe Mgcina

Johannesburg