Container lock foils hijackers

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