Motorists and truck drivers travelling on the R72 fear that stop-and-go points due to construction works leave them vulnerable to criminals.
A number of attacks have been reported in the area, mainly in the Keiskamma cuttings outside Tsholomnqa.
Motorists said stop-and-go points had become risky as armed criminals threaten drivers.
The incidents have been confirmed by police, who say they are doing all they can to be visible along the road.
There are two stop-and-go points – one between Gulu and East London and the other between Tsholomnqa and Kidd’s Beach.
Irvin Mabusela, who drives a truck and trailer for a multinational cargo company, said the problem in the area was caused by the lack of police visibility.
“I travel on this road twice a month but I hardly see police patrolling in the hot spots where criminals break into our trucks.
“This is a concern as we lose cargo worth hundreds of thousands of rands every month.”
Mabusela said some firms had security to escort trucks, “but many companies don’t use such services, leaving drivers at risk”.
Another driver, Jack Klaasen, said a gun was recently pointed at him. “Then I knew I was in trouble. Luckily for me the truck was empty.”
Klaasen said he overheard one of the four bandits saying he wanted to damage the truck’s tyres. “I was just lucky as they left without doing anything.”
Klaasen suggested that the community along the R72 should help police in exposing the criminals who target motorists along the stretch of road.
“At these stop and go it’s a nightmare. For an example, if people are protesting for service delivery, we have to turn back because the minute we stand there we are at risk of being robbed.”
Port Alfred motorist Norman Grey, who travels between East London and Port Alfred daily, described the situation as scary.
“At night we are at risk as at times these stop and gos operate until late. There are just no blue lights,” said Grey.
East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said the police were aware of the problem of theft from moving trucks.
Mqala said several incidents were reported last month, especially in areas where road construction was under way.
“These have been noted and police are conducting patrols.
“Tsholomnqa station commander deployed a patrolling van to the area.
“It must, however, be noted that several arrests and recovery of stolen goods have been made by police,” said Mqala.
Mqala said thefts happened mostly when trucks moved slowly. “The thieves notice an opportunity and steal from the slow moving trucks.”
Police urged community members not to buy stolen goods from criminals to discourage them from stealing.
“Communities should work with the police by reporting criminals and criminal activities.” — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
Motorists fear R72 road stops
A number of attacks have been reported in the area, mainly in the Keiskamma cuttings outside Tsholomnqa.
Motorists said stop-and-go points had become risky as armed criminals threaten drivers.
The incidents have been confirmed by police, who say they are doing all they can to be visible along the road.
There are two stop-and-go points – one between Gulu and East London and the other between Tsholomnqa and Kidd’s Beach.
Irvin Mabusela, who drives a truck and trailer for a multinational cargo company, said the problem in the area was caused by the lack of police visibility.
“I travel on this road twice a month but I hardly see police patrolling in the hot spots where criminals break into our trucks.
“This is a concern as we lose cargo worth hundreds of thousands of rands every month.”
Mabusela said some firms had security to escort trucks, “but many companies don’t use such services, leaving drivers at risk”.
Another driver, Jack Klaasen, said a gun was recently pointed at him. “Then I knew I was in trouble. Luckily for me the truck was empty.”
Klaasen said he overheard one of the four bandits saying he wanted to damage the truck’s tyres. “I was just lucky as they left without doing anything.”
Klaasen suggested that the community along the R72 should help police in exposing the criminals who target motorists along the stretch of road.
“At these stop and go it’s a nightmare. For an example, if people are protesting for service delivery, we have to turn back because the minute we stand there we are at risk of being robbed.”
Port Alfred motorist Norman Grey, who travels between East London and Port Alfred daily, described the situation as scary.
“At night we are at risk as at times these stop and gos operate until late. There are just no blue lights,” said Grey.
East London police spokeswoman Warrant Officer Hazel Mqala said the police were aware of the problem of theft from moving trucks.
Mqala said several incidents were reported last month, especially in areas where road construction was under way.
“These have been noted and police are conducting patrols.
“Tsholomnqa station commander deployed a patrolling van to the area.
“It must, however, be noted that several arrests and recovery of stolen goods have been made by police,” said Mqala.
Mqala said thefts happened mostly when trucks moved slowly. “The thieves notice an opportunity and steal from the slow moving trucks.”
Police urged community members not to buy stolen goods from criminals to discourage them from stealing.
“Communities should work with the police by reporting criminals and criminal activities.” — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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