Highly toxic fumigant missing after Joburg hijacking
Henchem, a company which distributes pest control products including industrial fumigation products, has raised the alarm after a steel cylinder went missing last week.
The cylinder was stolen during a hijacking at the Marlboro offramp in Johannesburg.
The company says the stolen vehicle was transporting specialised fumigation equipment, including a steel cylinder with a highly toxic odourless fumigant.
News of the hijacking comes shortly after 17 people were killed during a gas leak in Boksburg on Wednesday.
“Our concern is that the stolen cylinder will be dumped next to a road or on a dumpsite or sold to a scrap metal contractor. If this cylinder is opened to release the content, innocent people can die," says the company's Leonard Henning.
“This stolen cylinder must therefore be retrieved at all costs, and we urge the public to assist to report any possible sightings of this cylinder or equipment."
The cylinder contains ProFume, a highly regulated fumigation gas which is used for the fumigation of commodities such as grain.
“We have already informed all fumigators through industry bodies, such as South African Pest Control Association, the Department of Agriculture Inspectorate, Grifton Poison Centre, the manufacturer and the Grifton poison centre."
The incident was also reported to the Sandton police station.
"The cylinder is a bright yellow steel cylinder with black head, 115kg, 1,2m high, Label with product name - ProFume Cylinder unique tracking number - 00659067. Other gas monitoring equipment that was stolen; ClirCheck – A119, Fumiscope – 11058," adds Henning.
Any person with information are encoraged to contact HENCHEN – 021 948-7366/ [email protected] or the SAPCA (South African Pest Control Association) – 012 654 7708/ [email protected]
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