Fresh risk assessment for South Africa
British international freight transport insurer TT Club and BSI, a business improvement company, have jointly published a report entitled ‘Freight Crime in South African Supply Chains’. South Africa ranks among the top countries in the world, and first on the African continent, for BSI’s forecasted losses due to cargo theft.
In 2020, due to pandemic, lockdowns and economic decline "left the freight sector in a vulnerable situation," the report says. South Africa is an environment traditionally characterised by cargo truck hijackings.
Further, cross-border truck congestion and slower freight clearance created secondary disruptions that leave cargo even more susceptible to theft and general violence.
Mike Yarwood, TT Club’s loss prevention managing director emphasised the particular importance of "security awareness and proactive risk management actions." (sh)