Cash-in-transit work is among the most dangerous civilian occupations in South Africa. Armed attacks on CIT vehicles are a recurring and organised form of violent crime, and people are killed and seriously injured in them.
That is the first thing anyone considering this work should know, and it is why the training, equipment and employer standards matter more here than in any other security role.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
What cash-in-transit work generally requires.
- Registration with PSIRA at the applicable grade for the role
- A valid firearm competency certificate issued by SAPS, and the required firearm training
- South African citizenship or permanent residence, and a valid South African ID
- Be 18 years or older, and generally older for armed roles
- No disqualifying criminal convictions under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act
- A police clearance certificate and fingerprints
- Physical and medical fitness, including vision suitable for firearm handling
- A valid driver’s licence, and a professional driving permit for driving roles
- Psychological assessment, where the employer requires it
Education and Subject Requirements
PSIRA registration is compulsory. Under the Private Security Industry Regulation Act 56 of 2001, a person rendering a security service for reward must be registered at an appropriate grade. Confirm the current grades, recognised training and fees with PSIRA directly.
Firearm competency is separately regulated. The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 requires a competency certificate issued by SAPS, obtained through accredited training and a background investigation, before a person may possess or carry a firearm. Confirm the current requirements and the grounds for refusal with SAPS.
Specialised CIT training is expected beyond basic security grades — tactical training, vehicle procedures, cash handling and emergency response. Ask what training the employer provides, whether it is accredited, and whether refresher training is scheduled.
Verify any training provider with PSIRA before paying for anything. Unaccredited security training is a persistent problem.
A criminal record is generally disqualifying, and vetting in this sector is thorough because insider involvement in CIT attacks is a known problem.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
Assess the employer as carefully as it assesses you. This is the central point of this page. Ask, before accepting a position: is the company PSIRA-registered as a security business; what vehicles are used and what protection do they have; what training is provided and how often is it refreshed; what protective equipment is issued, including body armour, and is it in date; what the crewing levels are; and what support exists after an incident.
Ask about trauma support specifically. Surviving an armed attack has serious and lasting psychological consequences, and an employer without a proper support structure is telling you something about how it regards its staff. Post-incident counselling should be a stated benefit, not a favour.
Ask about injury and death cover. Registration under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 130 of 1993 is compulsory for employers and covers occupational injury and disease, including death. Confirm the employer is registered and ask what additional cover it provides.
Understand the sectoral conditions. Private security employment is governed by a sectoral determination alongside the Basic Conditions of Employment Act 75 of 1997, setting minimum wages and conditions. Confirm the current position with the Department of Employment and Labour.
The physical and psychological demands are high — long shifts, constant vigilance, body armour in heat, and the knowledge of the risk. Attrition in this work is significant.
Never discuss routes, schedules or cash volumes with anyone outside the crew, including family. Insider information is how attacks are planned, and an employee who talks becomes both a target and a suspect.
Report any approach immediately. Criminal groups approach CIT staff for information, and accepting is a serious criminal offence. Reporting an approach is the correct response and protects you.
Documents and Evidence Required
What is needed to apply.
- PSIRA registration certificate at the applicable grade
- A valid firearm competency certificate and firearm training certificates
- Certified copy of your South African ID
- Certified copies of your qualifications and security training certificates
- A police clearance certificate and fingerprints
- A valid driver’s licence and professional driving permit, for driving roles
- A medical fitness certificate, including vision assessment
- A curriculum vitae with any prior security experience
- Consent to background and psychological screening
Application and Selection Process
Apply directly to registered security companies, and confirm the company’s PSIRA registration as a security business before doing so. A company not registered may not lawfully render the service.
Ask the questions above at interview. An employer that answers them clearly is one worth working for; one that deflects is telling you what to expect.
Never pay for a job. Legitimate security employers do not charge to be recruited. Charging for compulsory training is a different matter and should be established up front — ask who pays for the PSIRA grades and the firearm competency.
Consider whether the risk is acceptable to you, honestly and with your family. This is not a reason to avoid the work — people do it well and are paid for it — but it is a decision that deserves to be made with the facts rather than around them.
- Confirm the employer is PSIRA-registered as a security business
- Get PSIRA registration at the required grade
- Obtain a firearm competency certificate through accredited training
- Verify any training provider with PSIRA before paying
- Ask what vehicles, body armour and equipment are provided
- Ask how often training is refreshed and what crewing levels are
- Ask what trauma support exists after an incident
- Confirm the employer is registered under COIDA
- Never discuss routes, schedules or cash volumes with anyone
- Report any criminal approach immediately
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is this work?
Cash-in-transit attacks are a recurring and organised form of violent crime in South Africa, and people are killed and seriously injured in them. That should be understood before applying.
What should I ask an employer?
About PSIRA business registration, vehicles and protection, training and refreshers, body armour and equipment, crewing levels, trauma support after an incident, and COIDA registration.
What registrations do I need?
PSIRA registration at the applicable grade, and a firearm competency certificate issued by SAPS with the required training, where the role is armed.
Why does confidentiality matter so much?
Insider information is how attacks are planned. An employee who discusses routes, schedules or cash volumes becomes both a target and a suspect.
Registration grades, firearm competency requirements, training standards and employment conditions are set by PSIRA, SAPS and the Department of Employment and Labour, and are revised. Confirm current requirements with PSIRA and SAPS before applying.