Sanral scare did not affect e-tolls - CEO

Johannesburg - A scare at the Centurion headquarters of SA National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) did not compromise the toll collection process and toll gantries remained operational, said CEO Nazir Alli.

"The call centre was however affected due to the evacuation of staff but is currently operating at full capacity," Alli said in a statement on Wednesday.

Sanral said the unknown substance found in an envelope was not dangerous.

"Upon investigation, the white substance was found to be harmless,"  said Alli.

"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."

Sanral said it was co-operating with authorities to find the perpetrator.

The Tshwane hazardous material unit was called to Sanral's offices on Tuesday afternoon after the substance was found on the premises. The building was evacuated and its electricity shut down.

Thirty-seven people were decontaminated and hospitalised as a precaution. All of them had been discharged by Wednesday morning.