On Friday, 30 October emotions varied from fear and anger to deep sadness after a G4S armoured vehicle was bombed and robbed, and a First Help driver was killed.
G4S has responded with regard to the cash-in-transit (CIT) heist and the arrest of the three security guards who were in the vehicle at the time of the heist.
While G4S’s statements said that a small amount of cash was taken, a statement received from the HAWKS said otherwise. According to HAWKS spokesperson, Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, police retrieved approximately R3,2 million cash that was hidden in dustbins on a premises next to where the armoured vehicle was attacked and from under the seat of the armoured vehicle. The three guards were taken in for questioning after this discovery and were arrested later that day, 30 November. The 12 suspects who attacked the vehicle are still being sought and investigations are ongoing.
A G4S spokesperson, Dani Cohen, confirmed the arrest of the three employees, but said no further information could be shared. Cohen continued to say that G4S is working closely with the police on the ongoing investigation, which includes finding the 12 assailants, and will make all evidence they have available to the authorities.
Cohen added that G4S is increasingly concerned about the overall level of CIT crime in the country and believes that the investigation of CIT crime networks needed to be deepened and prioritised urgently by law enforcement.
The company is constantly investing in new operational systems, training and technology to increase efficiency and combat CIT heists, Cohen said, adding that they have increased their tactical support team by more than 50 per cent this year and continued to shift their delivery schedules and routes. They have increased their national helicopter support, surveillance and response capability as well.
“The most critical element of our investment in tackling CIT crime is the safety of our people, and consequently, investment in training and operational safety is paramount,” concluded Cohen.
