The multi-million rand,high-tech security systems installed to protect the harbour from terrorist attacks and unauthorized entry was no match for a group of alleged thieves, who stole R3-million worth of fridges, microwaves and washing machines destined for a Johannesburg-based customer.
But Durban’s port authorities have denied that there is a security crisis at the docks, despite thieves gaining access to, and making off with, five containers of Korean electrical equipment, from what is supposed to be one of the most secure facilities in the province.
However, the South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) has warned that if thieves could get in, so could Investigations by the Organised Crime Unit after the incident in August led to the arrest of nine men, one of them a Phoenix pastor, who allegedly simply drove off with the goods after presenting port officials with falsified documentation.
A 10th person was arrested after allegedly trying to bribe the investigating officer into releasing the suspects, SAPS spokesperson Sernior Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said.
“A suspect was arrested at his house in Phoenix and a shotgun was recovered. Nine more suspects were arrested and the stolen goods were recovered from the suspects’ homes,” he said.
Read Also: Kenya: Appointment of Kenya Port Boss: Workers Union dares minister
It is alleged that one suspect claimed the containers using fraudulent documents and successfully removed about five containers from the harbour. Days later the lawful owner of the containers arrived to retrieve them.
Only then was it established the containers had been fraudulently removed.
Durban Port manager, Ricky Bhikraj, has been quick to claim that the breach of security in the docks, which are listed as potential terrorist targets or places from which terrorist activities could be launched, is an isolated incident.
Port authorities would be meeting security agencies to pinpoint where there may be security gaps.
Stringent security measures were introduced post 9/11 and are obligatory in terms of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). Penalties for not adhering to the code include a ban on trade between the affected port and the United States, which spearheaded the regulations after launching its “war on terror”.
Kindly like us on Facebook
Discussion about this post