On 3rd June, the SA Police Services released crime statistics for the first three months of 2022. The data revealed an alarming 22% surge in murder, equating to a rate of 40 per 100 000 residents or seven times the global average. All other categories of serious violent crime also increased. New SA crime trends are bleak, but we do have the data.
Hijacking – according to press reports truck hijacking saw an increase of over 900%, going from a 3.8% increase the previous quarter to a 31.4% increase. It is also the crime that saw the second biggest increase in the most current stats.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says this creates a number of difficulties for the industry – “The trucking industry is already facing major challenges with the massive increases in fuel prices. The need to have security services nearby has always been a reality for trucking in South Africa which also incurs unneeded expenses.”
Herbert adds – “While this increase is unlikely to have caused trucking companies to source the services of security companies, it can be said that more onus is placed on drivers to be aware of their surroundings and be ready to respond well before it becomes a problem. The sooner a driver becomes at once aware of a suspicious vehicle following them, the sooner they can let security providers know about their risky situation and the better the chances of avoiding a hijack situation.”
Driver training must include hijacking training – what to look out for, what standard procedures must be adopted before entering the road loaded, how to behave in a hijack situation, and whom to contact. A hijacking attempt must not dissolve into a chaotic scene – it is not about waiting for a hijack to happen but be prepared that this could well happen and that reporting lines and insurance cover are in place.
Key Hire has experience of this transport crisis and can supply a replacement vehicle – solution-driven support for a nasty event.
As disastrous as the data is, the SAPS must be commended for producing and sharing the statistics.
If you wish to discuss this or for more information, please contact Hennie Botha at 031 713 3145 or at 074 331 1354
