The South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) has revealed that measures are being implemented to monitor high-risk sections of the freeway around the clock.

This follows the agency’s receipt of incident reports from the Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) teams about rock-throwing incidents on the N12 eastbound.

Sanral media relations manager Lwando Mahlasela said the agency’s Freeway Management System (FMS) cameras are intended to manage incidents related to congestion and safety on the freeways.

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“We are currently experiencing high levels of vandalism in these high-risk areas, and measures are being implemented to ensure system redundancy and maintain 24-hour surveillance along these sections. These measures are scheduled for completion within the next two months,” said Mahlasela.

He added that additional interventions include the installation of thermal cameras, enhanced protection of infrastructure and lighting, and strengthened security protocols in collaboration with relevant law enforcement authorities to enable a rapid response.

Mahlasela said no specific areas along the N12 have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to these attacks. However, Sanral’s RRM teams continuously patrol the route and report any suspicious activity.

Rock-throwing incidents gained widespread attention after a motorist shared a video on social media on July 11 showing a vehicle with a shattered windscreen.

In the video, the vehicle was travelling on the N12 eastbound between the Gillooly’s (George Bizos) Interchange and the Germiston off-ramp.

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Free State resident Johann Beneke said he was also the victim of a rock-throwing attack on the N12 on July 12, shortly before 16:00.

Beneke said nothing had alerted him to the potentially dangerous and frightening situation.

He does not know whether the rock came from above or the side but believes it may have been thrown from one of the crossover bridges.

“When the rock struck my vehicle, I was momentarily blinded because of the flying glass. My windscreen, right front door and rear right window all shattered or were completely destroyed. It was an ear-deafening bang. I immediately realised that it was an attack and knew I just needed to get away as quickly as possible,” Beneke said.

Although Beneke was travelling with a worker and his three dogs, no injuries were reported. However, his vehicle sustained extensive damage.

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The Free State resident, who is unfamiliar with the area, said he wanted to leave as quickly as possible after the incident and therefore did not open a police case. He suggested that the highway and surrounding areas should be patrolled more regularly and that those responsible should receive harsh sentences.

Sanral has encouraged road users to report any suspicious activity on national roads to their nearest SAPS station.

Residents can also contact the Sanral provincial office nearest to the location of the incident. For incidents in Gauteng, road users can contact Sanral’s provincial office on 012 426 6200.