Container locks fitted with
satellite tracking units are
achieving major success in the
battle against hijackers.
It was thanks to this device
that hijackers’ attempts to make
off with a container load of a
well-known brand of imported
shoes and clothing were foiled in
Springs recently.
According to Johan Robinson
of CPI Risk Management
Solutions, it was the second
hijacking in the space of four
weeks and in both cases the
containers were recovered
unopened.
In the latest case, the driver,
a Mozambique national, was
contacted by the hijackers in
Durban to “buy” the load from
him.
“When he reached the Alberton
area they plugged a tracking
signal jamming device into the
horse – but the jammer did not
affect the CPI tracking unit on the
container,” said Robinson, “and
we were immediately alerted.
“When it became clear to the
control room that the container
was moving in the wrong
direction, CPI investigators
were despatched to the area to
intercept the container,” he said.
Thanks to some fancy footwork
by CPI and the SA Police Service,
the driver was arrested as he fled
from the truck and is currently
being detained and questioned
by police. “We are looking for
the remaining suspects and the
Black Nissan Xtrail and Mercedes
sedan in which they fled the
scene. The jammer, meanwhile,
has been confiscated and booked
into evidence.”
According to Robinson, the
driver is being charged for
attempted theft and possession of
a signal jamming device.
CAPTION
Johan Robinson... with the container lock.
Photo: Shannon Van Zyl
