Independent investigation proved alleged ‘roadblocks' are hoax: Investigation team found no direct witnesses and nothing to support claims
An independent investigation, conducted earlier this year, found that there was no evidence to support any of the claims made, and that have since re-emerged, that employees of SANRAL or its suppliers had conducted roadblocks and threatened motorists on highways in Johannesburg and Pretoria, or at any other point (see report).
As issued in a statement in June this year, the investigation was undertaken by Deloitte, the auditing and professional services firm. The probe was headed by Advocate Tommy Prins, Director of Risk Advisory at the firm.
In spite of the independent nature of the investigation, the reputation of the investigators and repeated assurances that identities would be protected, no one with evidence of any roadblock came forward.
SANRAL commissioned Deloitte to undertake an independent investigation after publication and broadcast of media reports, as well as the circulation of chain emails containing allegations that SANRAL held or was responsible for illegal roadblocks. It was alleged that members of the public were threatened with severe fines in order to coerce them into registering for e-tags.
SANRAL's own investigation showed that there were no roadblocks. However, as a result of the continued accusations in May/June 2012, SANRAL appointed a forensic investigation team from Deloitte to conduct an independent investigation.
SANRAL provided all the information regarding the allegations and the contact details of those who had raised complaints with SANRAL to the investigators. SANRAL's contractor similarly granted full access to its records and staff and provided full co-operation. More than a dozen employees deemed by the investigators to be relevant to their enquiries were interviewed.
Further interviews were conducted with the representative of the Justice Project South Africa and an executive member of the Edenvale Community Police Forum.
Justice Project South Africa also released a press statement encouraging members of the public who had experienced the alleged roadblocks and threats to approach the independent investigators from Deloitte with their information.
Despite the calls for witnesses and information, no one has ever contacted the investigators with evidence relevant to the alleged roadblocks. It was accordingly concluded that the allegations remained unsubstantiated.
Even so, SANRAL advises that if anyone is stopped and forced to registration for e-toll or for any reason that is e-toll related at this stage, such action would be illegal and should be reported to the authorities because SANRAL is not carrying out any such enforcement actions.
Statement issued by the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL), November 20 2012
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