"While investment is being made into the ports, a concerted effort needs to be made to tackle the criminal elements that impact on the logistics chain,” warns Quintus van der Merwe, senior partner at law firm Shepstone & Wylie, who heads up its customs and international trade and transport departments. He says that during a recent Shepstone & Wylie function in Richards Bay, “mention was made of criminal syndicates operating in the area targeting not only logistics, but also potentially deliberately sabotaging rail to ensure that cargo stayed on road”.In support of these concerns, the latest BSI Consulting and TT Club Cargo Theft Report, published in April 2025, states: “South Africa ranks among the top countries globally and leads the African continent in cargo theft incidents, highlighting the significant economic impact of this persistent issue. “Trucking remains the most commonly targeted mode of transportation, with hijackings of loaded trucks being the predominant method. “These often-violent incidents involve well-organised gangs employing tactics such as intercepting stationary vehicles or posing as police officers to force trucks to stop. “In addition to trucking, thefts from warehouses, as well as rail and air freight robberies, are also prevalent. “The top regions for cargo theft in 2024 were Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and Western Cape. Employers must remain vigilant against the risk of insider participation, as corrupt employees can directly assist with thefts or provide criminals with sensitive information about shipping schedules and security protocols. “Instances of faked hijacking reports and the involvement of security guards hired for protection further complicate mitigation efforts. “The most stolen products in 2024 included food and beverages, parcels, animals, alcohol and fuel, ref lecting the diversity of targeted goods. Proactive measures, such as enhanced employee vetting, improved security protocols and investment in advanced technologies, are critical to addressing this multifaceted challenge.”Adds Van der Merwe: “Fighting South Africa’s recent legacy of corruption and related theft and fraud is an ongoing challenge that must be overcome to encourage investment in the failing rail and port infrastructure.” ER
