‘Drivers should be trained to spot hijack hot spots’

Driver training cannot be underestimated when it comes to safeguarding cargo and vehicles on South African roads. According to Gavin Kelly of the Road Freight Association, drivers should be trained to deal with a hijacking or to “know one when they see it” at all times. “Most operators have very sophisticated tracing systems in place while a myriad activities and precautions are taken. Ensuring drivers are aware and know how to handle the situation is very important in the mix.” Since the first hijacking ever reported in 1984, freight hijackings have become a lucrative business for criminals with the goods as well as the vehicles raking in millions. “The last statistics available are for the period September 2006 to September 2007 and show an increase of 53%,” said Kelly. “Hijackings seem to be more frequent on transit routes where high value goods are carried, but there is no set method the hijackers use. There have been cases where cement trucks have been targeted.” According to the SAPS, truck drivers should refrain from picking up hitchhikers at any time and must make mental notes of the nearest police stations at all times. Andre Du Venage, general manager of G4S Special Cargo Handling, which specialises in the safeguarding of trucks and cargo, says drivers should report any suspicious activity. “It is important that drivers are trained to be cautious even when it comes to people they know in a by-the-way manner. Even people in uniform must be regarded with caution. Traffic and other police who pull them over must be identified properly before information is given.” Most experts agree that syndicates often imitate police not only to forcefully bring a vehicle to a stop but also to extract information. “Truck drivers must know their rights as far as vehicle inspections go. Ask for the police official’s name, make sure they are wearing a badge, and both driver and assistant should not exit the vehicle at the same time,” said Du Venage. Police also advise drivers to be as alert as possible and take as much notice as possible of their surroundings and suspicious people. Kelly agreed. “Report crime. Report suspicious people and activity. Also make sure your drivers know what the trends are and where the hotspots are.”