The country is being rocked by an unprecedented rise in cash-in-transit heists. In an SABC News expose, we show you how easy it is to get hold of powerful explosives, commonly used in these daring robberies. Senior reporter, Chriselda Lewis & cameraman Gqabi Njokweni bought the bombs from a former illegal miner in Gauteng.
He confirmed that they are sourced from the country’s mines. Gauteng has the highest number of heists recorded since January, standing at 61.
Brazen cash van bombings are a common sight in South Africa. There is at least one seen every day. SABC news can reveal just how easy it is to buy explosives used in these robberies.
The source who agreed to buy them from a kingpin operating with syndicates at Gauteng mines says he could not risk taking the SABC crew there.
He then confirmed the popular theory that the explosives are smuggled from underground.
“That one I cannot do. It is too risky because those people they will go after me, they will think I am a sell out because these things they come from the mines. It’s obvious it is an operation of more than 10 to 20 people, a process from the mines up to outside, selling and to me now. These explosives are only available in the mines.”
He also says how easily obtainable they are. “These things are available to anyone who got money; they don’t ask what you want to do. If you got money, you can get them.”
He says the explosives are available anywhere in the country. “This thing is coming from all over not just East Rand, all over South Africa, anywhere there are mines.”
He then produced the goods with a lesson on how to detonate the explosives, also used in ATM bombings. He says the price of the explosives depends on the demand. “Sometimes, if they are scarce you can get them for R500 depending on how in a hurry you are.”
SABC news could not risk demonstrating how powerful the explosives are when detonated. Even in a secluded mining area, there is still concern that someone could get hurt.
Unions point a finger at poor security at mines. ” It all revolves around intelligence gathering and a multi-pronged approach. This points to lax security especially in the mines… their security is not up to standard…but the buck stops with SAPS,” says Fedusa’s Frank Nxumalo.
A UNISA criminologist Dr Matlogonolo Thobane also alludes to poor control in the mining sector.
Since last week, several attempts to get an on-camera response from Minister of Mineral Resources Gwede Mantashe has failed. He only responded on Sunday, referring us to the Chamber of Mines.
Cash heists are a complex criminal operation involving a web of role players. A multi-pronged strategy is required, for now law enforcers have had limited success. If the current trend is anything to go by, expect a few more this week.
