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<p>This study examines the role of unlicensed firearms as one of the driving factors in the prevalence of cash-in-transit robbery crimes, nature and trends as well as preventive measures used by the South African Police Service. A systematic methodology was adopted to synthesise peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports and cases studies on CIT heists from 2000 to 2025. The time scope enabled the study to make the information relevant to the evolution of firearm-related violence and CIT heists. A PRISMA-guided approach was adopted to enhance transparency, though the broad scope which incorporated grey literature and reports resulted in a hybrid systematic-narrative synthesis focused on thematic integration rather than meta-analysis. The review is anchored on rational choice theory to better understand the motivational and decision-making processes that drive these criminal activities as well as the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing strategies in preventing the incidences of CIT robberies, which involve unlicensed firearms. The review reveals that CIT robberies have evolved over decades in South Africa, and their tactics become sophisticated overtimes. It is found that although SAPS has implemented various operations in regard to CIT robberies, a number of challenges still remain regarding the overall availability of illegal firearms, resource issues and institutional issues within law enforcement agencies. Comparative analyses with Brazil, Nigeria, The United State and The United Kingdom indicate different approaches to controlling firearms. This underscores the possible implications that adaptive approaches might have for South Africa. The review calls for a multi-layered crime prevention approach, ranging from stricter firearm ownership regulations to better collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the private sector as well as unlocking advanced technologies in security. This research contributes to the discussion on the prevention of crime in South Africa and focuses attention on the critical interaction of firearms and violent crime, specifically in regard to CIT robberies.</p>

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Unlicensed firearms and cash in transit robberies in South Africa: a systematic review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • Sadiq Ewaoda Amali,
  • Muzukhona Wilfred Buthelezi

摘要

This study examines the role of unlicensed firearms as one of the driving factors in the prevalence of cash-in-transit robbery crimes, nature and trends as well as preventive measures used by the South African Police Service. A systematic methodology was adopted to synthesise peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports and cases studies on CIT heists from 2000 to 2025. The time scope enabled the study to make the information relevant to the evolution of firearm-related violence and CIT heists. A PRISMA-guided approach was adopted to enhance transparency, though the broad scope which incorporated grey literature and reports resulted in a hybrid systematic-narrative synthesis focused on thematic integration rather than meta-analysis. The review is anchored on rational choice theory to better understand the motivational and decision-making processes that drive these criminal activities as well as the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing strategies in preventing the incidences of CIT robberies, which involve unlicensed firearms. The review reveals that CIT robberies have evolved over decades in South Africa, and their tactics become sophisticated overtimes. It is found that although SAPS has implemented various operations in regard to CIT robberies, a number of challenges still remain regarding the overall availability of illegal firearms, resource issues and institutional issues within law enforcement agencies. Comparative analyses with Brazil, Nigeria, The United State and The United Kingdom indicate different approaches to controlling firearms. This underscores the possible implications that adaptive approaches might have for South Africa. The review calls for a multi-layered crime prevention approach, ranging from stricter firearm ownership regulations to better collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the private sector as well as unlocking advanced technologies in security. This research contributes to the discussion on the prevention of crime in South Africa and focuses attention on the critical interaction of firearms and violent crime, specifically in regard to CIT robberies.