Guards demand better protection amid dramatic increase in heists
Unions representing cash-in-transit guards are set to embark on a nationwide protest, demanding safer working conditions following the recent spate of heists.
The guards are demanding better protection when transporting cash.
The Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) and the Motor Transport Workers Union (MTWU), which represents the majority of workers in the sector, have vowed to take to the streets to demand that transit companies step up security.
Fedusa's Dennis George is concerned over the unregulated nature of the sector and companies' failure to upgrade its vehicle security systems.
"On the June 11 we are going to have national protest action but we have also sent letters and invitations to the companies to say to them that we want to meet and engage, because remember it's their business to make sure that they transport the money to their clients in a responsible way."
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The South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) recently expressed concern over the dramatic increase in heists.
Several guards have also been arrested in connection with the heists.
The Hawks nabbed five guards after they poisoned themselves in plotting and executing a staged R30 million heist in Johannesburg.
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This week more than R1.5 million was found at a guard's house in Gauteng.
George says the involvement of guards in the heists, and the fact that they could fall prey to criminal syndicates, need to be investigated.