THE South African Police Service (SAPS) is warning the public not to carry large amounts of cash, and recommends people consider options that are lower risk.
Lt Col Thulani Zwane from provincial SAPS said people should carry as little cash as possible and consider making use of cellphone banking and internet transfers to pay accounts, or ATMs to do banking.
“With the recent incidents where people are being robbed of their cash or even killed, a warning has been issued to prevent such incidents in future. People should take note of tips that will help minimise the chances of being victim of robberies,” he said.
Zwane said people should alternate the days and times on which they deposit cash and should refrain from making cash deposits.
“Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you and 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,” he said.
Zwane said it is advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected. If the amount of cash you regularly deposit increases as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company.
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“Refrain from giving wages to your contract or casual labourers in full view of the public, rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank and don’t drive to the bank in your company branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’. Rather, consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts,” said Zwane.
He said the police also warned stokvel members to take extra precautions when dealing with large amounts of cash as these types of cases are very prevalent during the festive season when members share money.
“The members can arrange with the banks and deposit their cash into their accounts,” he said.
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