Following numerous incidents where robberies took place after money was withdrawn, contact with the involved banks were made for feedback.
First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank were involved in these criminal activities.
First National Bank provided feedback in an article last week, where Lee-Anne van Zyl, Chief Executive Officer of the FNB Points of Presence said:
“The bank has zero tolerance towards criminality and the safety of our customers is of utmost importance. The bank will cooperate with any police investigation to get to the bottom of the reported criminal incident.”
This follows after contact was made with the bank after the second incident this year where a large amount of money was withdrawn by Mr Samuel Mavuso; he was allegedly followed and robbed of the money shortly thereafter.
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The bank was contacted for feedback and Ross Linstrom said that they can confirm that they are aware of the incident and that the bank is assisting the police with their investigation.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, we can not supply further information,” said Linstrom.
Nedbank responded to the incident that took place on April 28 where another robbery claimed thousands.
“Nedbank is not in a position to comment on the incident as it did not take place on our premises. However, the bank will co-operate fully with law enforcement authorities if necessary,” stated Kedibone Molopyane, Group Media Relations for this bank.
Capt Eddie Hall, media spokesperson for the Witbank Police said that they are busy investigating these cases.
He told WITBANK NEWS that the police and the banks investigate these incidents together.
Linstrom supplied tips and advice when carrying or dealing with large amounts of cash.
To avoid being a victim of cash robberies for individuals:
If you need to pay accounts, consider options that are lower risk instead of withdrawing large sums of cash. Apply the following tips to avoid being a victim:
Carry as little cash as possible.
Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically (consult your bank to find out about other available options.)
Consider making use of cell phone banking or internet transfers or ATMs to do your banking.
Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.
Tips to avoid being a victim of cash robberies for businesses:
A small business which is cash based and needs to deposit money on a regular basis at the bank should apply the following tips which will minimize the chances of you being a victim of robberies:
Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash.
Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.
Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue.
Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.
It is advisable to identify another branch nearby you that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected.
If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company.
Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public and rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank.
Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts.
