Security solutions group, G4S Cash Solution (SA), has introduced what it says is highly sophisticated technology to counter high profile cash heists in South Africa and across Africa.

The project, a partnership with fleet management company, Imperial Group, is estimated to be worth R450 million.

Addressing media at the launch yesterday, G4S managing director for South Africa, Albert Erasmus, said the latest development represented a breakthrough in the fight against cash-in-transit heists. 

According G4S Cash Solutions sales director, Hannes Venter, the new technologically-advanced vehicles have tracking systems to locate the vehicle wherever it travels.

Subsequently, the company has unveiled a new fleet of 700 security vehicles boasting the technology. Apart from SA, the company also plans to introduce such vehicles in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania.

"We started with a Bedford truck, but due to loss of lives, we had to change the direction and change our fleet of vehicles. It is a very exciting development for us in changing vehicles over a period of several years," said Venter.

"The armoured vehicles have interlocking system coupled with four cameras and one-time code for both activating and de-activating. The interlocking system is controlled at head office.

"These systems ensure that the vehicle shuts down in the event of an attack, protecting our staff as well as our customer assets," he explained further.