Pretoria - Operations are back to normal at the South African National Road Agency's (SANRAL) Central Operations Centre (COC), in Midrand, after an envelope containing a white substance, suspected to be anthrax, was found on the premises.
Yesterday, the staff had to be evacuated after a suspicious envelope containing a white substance was found on the premises.
Upon investigation, by the Tshwane Emergency Services and the South African Police Services (SAPS), the white substance was found to be harmless.
The building was treated as a crime scene and staff members who were exposed to the substance in the envelope were taken to hospital, as a pre-cautionary measure, for medical examinations.
“Our priority was to ensure the safety of the people working in the building. They received trauma counselling for the anxiety caused by this incident,” said SANRAL CEO, Nazir Alli.
The evacuation did not compromise the toll collection process and toll gantries remained operational.
The call centre was however affected due to the evacuation of staff but is currently operating at full capacity.
SANRAL, which is responsible for the implementation of Gauteng's e-tolling system, says it is working with the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book. – SAnews.gov.za
