SANRAL moves to 24-hour monitoring on N12 after rock-throwing incidents

The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) announced on 16 July it will introduce 24-hour monitoring and additional security measures on the N12 after a series of rock-throwing incidents that have damaged vehicles and raised safety concerns.

What SANRAL is installing

SANRAL said its measures aim to deter attacks and improve motorist safety. Planned interventions include the installation of thermal cameras, enhanced protection of infrastructure and lighting, and strengthened security protocols, according to the agency.

“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,”

Why the changes were made

The move follows reports from Routine Road Maintenance teams about rock-throwing on the N12 eastbound and widely shared social media footage showing a vehicle with a shattered windscreen on 11 July between the Gillooly’s (George Bizos) Interchange and the Germiston off-ramp.

One motorist, Johann Beneke, reported his vehicle was struck on 12 July shortly before 16:00. Beneke said his windscreen, right front door and rear right window were shattered; no injuries were reported.

“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,”

Patrols, reporting and response

SANRAL said its Freeway Management System cameras are used to manage congestion and safety incidents, and that RRM teams continuously patrol the route and report suspicious activity. The agency also said it is working with relevant law enforcement authorities to enable a rapid response.

SANRAL encouraged road users to report suspicious activity on national roads to their nearest South African Police Service station. For incidents in Gauteng, road users can contact SANRAL’s provincial office on 012 426 6200.

Timeline and next steps

SANRAL said the new surveillance and security measures are scheduled to be completed within two months of the announcement. The agency did not identify specific sections of the N12 as particularly vulnerable but described the areas as high-risk due to rising vandalism reports.