At a recent two-day strategic workshop in Pretoria, officials from both parties developed a joint strategy to combat these crimes and also renewed their memorandum of understanding which was first agreed upon in 2001.
In frank discussions between the two parties, factors that hindered the successful implementation of the memorandum of understanding and the low success rate in arresting suspects involved in bank-related and cash-in-transit crimes, were identified.
To achieve the desired results, the police and Sabric will, among other things, co-operate in educating the public about bank-related and cybercrimes, increase the capacity within the police to deal with cyber-related commercial crime, enhance the intelligence capabilities between police and the industry, and to ensure that the top 15 bank and cash-in-transit criminals in every province and in head offices, are arrested. The so-called ‘cold cases’ related to bank and cash-in-transit crimes, will be reopened to determine whether these had been thoroughly investigated and whether detectives had explored all avenues.
“Our partnership with the police is a crucial one in the fight against organised crime in this country. The banking and cash-in-transit sectors remain committed to supporting government in creating a safe and secure country that will create greater potential for economic growth,” says Kalyani Pillay, CEO of Sabric.
“We believe that part of our success lies in community policing because it enhances our ability to deliver,” said national police Commissioner, General Riah Phiyega, in her address. She said that police will not reject the olive branch being extended by Sabric, or any other entity willing to help police in fighting crime.
The following men pictured here are 15 of the most wanted bank and cash-in-transit robbers currently sought by police in South Africa:
If you have any information regarding any of these men, please contact Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale on 082 781 8863.
Do you feel safe when doing your banking, whether online or at the bank itself? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
