South Africa has witnessed over 40 000 crimes impacting supply chains in the past year alone, research by the Transported Asset Protection Association (Tapa) has found, based on data received from the SA Police Service.
According to the Chartered Institute for Logistics and Transport (Ciltsa): “These incidents encompass a spectrum of offences, ranging from high-profile truck hijackings and cash-in-transit robberies to common robbery, burglaries and stock theft.”
Most worrying of all recent crime figures is that of the 41 120 transport crime incidents reported last year, 99% occurred in South Africa, Tapa’s research reveals.
Moreover, South Africa ranks fourth globally in cargo theft rates, Tapa’s Cargo Crime Monitor shows.
Items of significant value, such as phones, electronic goods, and food and drink, consistently feature in the top five list of stolen goods.
“Safety and security are critical components of logistics, transport, and supply chain management, yet recent statistics reveal a concerning reality,” says Ciltsa.
In response to these alarming trends, Ciltsa is hosting a half-day seminar on navigating safety and security risks in the logistics, transport and supply chain industries.
Scheduled for 22 May in Sandton, Johannesburg, the event aims to equip professionals with the requisite knowledge and tools to identify, assess, and mitigate safety and security risks within their operations.
Ciltsa president, Elvin Harris, underscores the seminar's significance: "Safety and security are paramount for any organisation involved in logistics, transport and supply chains.
“This seminar equips attendees with the insights they need to safeguard their people, cargo and operations.
“It is vital that we navigate the challenges and emerge stronger, safer and more resilient."