A new report highlights South Africa's ongoing vulnerability to cargo theft, with the hijacking of vehicles in transit the primary theft type in H1 2020.

Historically, there is an inverse relationship between crime and economic growth in South Africa. This year, COVID-19 has contributed to a worsening of the issue, with theft from facilities on the rise, as well as thefts of food, beverages and medical supplies.

The joint TT Club/BSI report explains that, in some cases, 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 stated, “As cargo theft continues to impact business operations and disrupt supply chains in South Africa and elsewhere, it is vital that companies stay on top of potential threats and risks. Security awareness and proactive risk management actions are essential steps in creating a risk-averse supply chain. In highlighting causal influences this report also points the way to how preventative measures can, and must, be introduced and enhanced to reverse the damaging trends.”

David Fairnie, principal consultant for supply chain security at BSI added: “Understanding the threats in South Africa, detailed in this report, and incorporating the suggested preventative measures, including screening employees, implementing security management systems, and securing parking depots, will help organisations work towards developing more secure and resilient supply chains.”

BSI and TT Club emphasise that the understanding of cargo theft risk plays a big part in mitigating both the occurrence and impact of these incidents on stakeholder organisations and is crucial in building a truly resilient supply chain.

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