Transito: The story behind the big money robberies

The cash-in-transit robbery phenomenon hit a South African society trying to adjust to comprehensive social and political change. The scale, brutality and massive yields occasionally lent it, not unlike prohibition in the United States many decades before, an almost romantic aura. It was strengthened by news reports of massive amounts of money left at robbery scenes for ordinary people to help themselves.

It grew into legends of a third force, financing political campaigns. Others suggested an international assault on the country.

Here, finally, is the truth behind the robberies. Meticulously researched by a former senior policeman, it reveals who these robbers are: their military training, their numbers, age, criminal background, personal habits, motivation - and what they spend their huge gains on.

The research also offers valuable pointers for combatting this growing crime.

It disproves many legends but reveals other disturbing issues: police and women who help these robbers, the role of particularly prosecutors and lawyers in thwarting the prosecution, the casinos, used car dealers and lawyers who help launder the vast amounts of stolen money. It also exposes how that money buys the robbers an entrée into elect society.

It reveals a huge new and virtually unknown threat to the South African society.