Incorporating 'unique'
tracking device
Johan Robinson (centre) with company member in charge of transport guarding, James Duvenage (right) and Durban operations head Riaan Nieuwoudt.
Leonard Neill
A NEW safety clamp designed to curb the activities of container hijackers has just been launched.
The man behind the new device is Transito Freight Protection managing member, Johan Robinson, who is no stranger to freight security. He was previously commanding officer of the freight theft investigation unit at Johannesburg International Airport where he gained first hand information of criminal activities in that environment.
Designed primarily for imported consignments, the clamp includes unique features like a built-in tracking device with a battery which has a year-long guarantee.
Most hijacking of containers takes place within South Africa's borders, says Robinson. Many of the containers landed on these shores are in transit to other African destinations, but there are few incidents of theft once they have crossed the borders to neighbouring countries.
The tracking device, which operates off normal cell phone towers, has exceptional ranges of operation including the ability to be read to the depth of five stories down in the basement of a building.
"We had to look for something exceptional and different from traditional devices to counter container theft from airports and harbours," he says. "I can tell you this clamp ensures no pilferage, and is aimed at securing the transportation of high value cargo as well as general consignments."
Special power tools are required to open it, and a separate locking mechanism is provided for cross-border consignments where these power tools are not available.
Robinson's company, comprising former police personnel, also provides armed escorts where necessary.
This applies at airports where the container is escorted from aircraft to warehouse and again from that facility to its final destination. At seaports the container is inspected by customs before the clamp is attached and then an armed escort can be provided if required.
"We are currently covered for liability up to R1,5 million, but are moving towards an eventual R5 million," says Robinson.
