By Mapaballo Borotho
- Courier drivers in Gauteng have been urged to avoid high-risk routes and remain vigilant while making deliveries.
- The warning follows an increase in robberies targeting courier vehicles across the province.
- The Department of Community Safety has called on courier companies to improve security and emergency response measures.
The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has called on courier operators to remain alert, especially when making deliveries in unfamiliar locations or areas that have been identified as high risk.
The warning follows a recent spike in incidents where courier vehicles have been targeted by criminal syndicates across the province.
In some cases, drivers have been left for dead, while others have sustained critical injuries.
Earlier this month, two suspects linked to courier company robberies and other violent crimes were fatally wounded in Reiger Park, Boksburg.
Law enforcement officials were deployed to the area after receiving information that the suspects were allegedly planning to commit a robbery. As officers attempted to stop them, a high-speed chase and shootout ensued, resulting in the two suspects being fatally wounded.
Unlicensed firearms, ammunition and two motor vehicles were recovered at the scene.
“Courier companies are encouraged to strengthen their security measures by ensuring that vehicles are fitted with functional tracking devices, maintaining regular communication with drivers, conducting risk assessments for delivery routes, and providing employees with safety awareness and hijacking response training. Companies should also establish clear emergency protocols to ensure rapid reporting and response when incidents occur,” the Department said in a statement.
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