By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (Sanral) says that it is increasing its security measures at toll gates in the country following a hijacking that took place this past week.
Sanral said in a statement on Saturday that it strongly condemns all criminal activity on the road network.
A video clip of the incident has been circulating on social media platforms.
“While we can reduce the motivation to commit crime by increasing our security measures at toll plazas, we cannot police someone’s intention to commit a crime. We, therefore, appeal to road users to always be vigilant and aware of threats to their security in any location,” said Sanral spokesperson, Vusi Mona.
Hijacking at toll gates. Be careful ? pic.twitter.com/JoeLLJB2G6
— Vehicle Trackers (@VehicleTrackerz) December 23, 2022
The agency noted that all toll plazas are under 24-hour security camera surveillance, and all information at its disposal will be shared with police to aid the investigation.
“Sanral’s camera network across the country has assisted police in their investigations and securing convictions of criminals on a number of occasions, and the agency will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to create safer spaces for all road users,” it said.
The hijacking incident was a variant of the ‘boxing in’ method, where criminals cut off paths of escape for their victims. Similar methods are used when hijackings take place on a victim’s driveway, and also more recently at drive-thrus at fast food restaurants.
Toll lanes are particularly suitable for this method as the target vehicle would be funneled into a narrow lane and blocked off by vehicles behind it, as well as the hijackers’ vehicle ahead.
South Africa has seen a massive jump in hijacking activity this year, with SAPS data showing 17,412 cases between January and September 2022 alone.