Security remains a major challenge for road freight operators on South African roads, with criminals persistently targeting trucks. According to Gerhard Marais, a director at Transmaintenance and Operations, syndicates pose a serious threat to transporters. “Loading and off loading points, as well as depots, are predominantly targeted. Hijacking is another prominent tactic. These criminals are highly sophisticated and capable, with precise knowledge of their targets.”He said truckers also faced threats from common criminals. “These incidents are often opportunistic, occurring when criminals identify a chance in the moment. Congestion exacerbates the problem, leaving trucks vulnerable as ‘sitting ducks’,” he explained to delegates at the Road Freight Association (RFA) convention. This vulnerability is particularly evident at border posts, where trucks queue for kilometres without adequate means of protection.“We have seen queues as long as 42 kilometres at border posts, with vehicles bumper to bumper. These truck queues can extend outside ports or build up due to accidents. The reality is that there isn’t much a driver can do when their truck is targeted while stuck in such a queue.”According to Marais, transporters also face challenges from traffic criminality, where vehicles are driven in such a way that they pose security risks. He also addressed what has often become a sensitive issue – corruption. “It’s crucial to acknowledge that corruption involves both parties. The only way to eliminate corruption is to refuse to participate. As an industry, we must cease all involvement, regardless of the consequences. Paying bribes or giving in to corruption only exacerbates the problem and prevents us from eradicating it ent irely.”He urged the road freight sector to actively share information about incidents and to report criminal offences promptly. “When we engage with the South African Police Service (Saps) and analyse the statistics, there’s often a gap between reported incidents and official records. We are aware of more truck hijackings than what the national statistics indicate, suggesting that many incidents are not being reported to the authorities.”According to Marais, transporters often refrain from reporting incidents due to the cumbersome process involved. This process can lead to vehicles being impounded as part of a criminal investigation, thereby preventing them from operating.He emphasised the importance of the industry operating as legally as possible. Transporters should not only report criminal incidents but also strive to maintain a reputable operation. "This includes running vehicles that comply with legal standards and ensuring that drivers adhere to the rules of the road," he stated. “When stuck in congestion, drivers should refrain from creating their own lanes by driving on shoulders or verges of the road, or jumping queues.”Marais said it was critical for the road freight sector to work with authorities to address the numerous challenges on the road.
