Cash guards need more than just more fire power to survive their jobs.
Cash guards need more than just more fire power to survive their jobs.
According to psychologist Nomfundo Mogapi, employers are not doing enough to help them cope with the stress and trauma that come with the job.
Mogapi, of the Centre of the Study for Violence and Reconciliation, says attacks on cash vans leave guards shocked, disorientated and numb.
"Others might feel disorganised, as if their lives have been turned upside down. They might not want to talk about the experience, and others might feel angry and sad. Some struggle to regulate their emotions."
Mogapi said others might find themselves oscillating between feeling overwhelming emotions to feeling nothing at all.
"They might find themselves struggling with intimacy and emotional connection with their loved ones. This could be complicated by frequent outbursts of anger and irritability."
She said studies with the police and fireman show that exposure to such violence is likely to lead to a serious mental breakdown, sometimes even after 10 to 15 years if there are no interventions to help the person.
Mogapi said guards needed counselling, but she knew of no organisation focusing on their needs.
Guards need more than just guns
Cash guards need more than just more fire power to survive their jobs.
Cash guards need more than just more fire power to survive their jobs.
According to psychologist Nomfundo Mogapi, employers are not doing enough to help them cope with the stress and trauma that come with the job.
Mogapi, of the Centre of the Study for Violence and Reconciliation, says attacks on cash vans leave guards shocked, disorientated and numb.
"Others might feel disorganised, as if their lives have been turned upside down. They might not want to talk about the experience, and others might feel angry and sad. Some struggle to regulate their emotions."
Mogapi said others might find themselves oscillating between feeling overwhelming emotions to feeling nothing at all.
"They might find themselves struggling with intimacy and emotional connection with their loved ones. This could be complicated by frequent outbursts of anger and irritability."
She said studies with the police and fireman show that exposure to such violence is likely to lead to a serious mental breakdown, sometimes even after 10 to 15 years if there are no interventions to help the person.
Mogapi said guards needed counselling, but she knew of no organisation focusing on their needs.
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