The Gauteng Department of Community Safety has issued a warning to courier companies and delivery drivers following a noticeable increase in vehicle hijackings linked to organised criminal syndicates operating across the province.
Authorities say courier vehicles have become increasingly attractive targets because they often transport valuable goods while following predictable delivery schedules.
The warning comes after several successful police operations this week disrupted suspected courier robbery gangs in Johannesburg and the East Rand.
Delivery drivers urged to strengthen safety precautions
The Department has advised courier operators to remain vigilant, particularly when making deliveries in unfamiliar neighbourhoods or areas identified as crime hotspots.
Drivers have been encouraged to follow planned delivery routes, avoid stopping in isolated locations and remain alert for suspicious vehicles or individuals that may be monitoring their movements.
Officials also recommended that deliveries be completed through secure verification procedures wherever possible and that drivers avoid revealing the contents of parcels or displaying valuable goods to unauthorised persons.
Courier companies have been urged to strengthen their internal security systems by ensuring that tracking devices remain operational, maintaining regular communication with drivers and conducting continuous risk assessments of delivery routes.
The Department further recommended comprehensive hijacking response training so that employees know how to react safely during emergencies.
Companies have also been encouraged to establish clear reporting procedures that allow incidents to be communicated immediately to law enforcement authorities.
Government expands technology-driven crime prevention
Provincial authorities said Gauteng will continue investing in technology-driven policing initiatives, including CCTV surveillance networks, helicopters, drones and electronic panic-button systems to combat vehicle-related crime.
The Department also called for closer cooperation between police agencies and private security companies to improve visibility and intelligence-sharing against organised criminal groups targeting businesses and motorists.
The warning follows two recent law enforcement operations involving suspected courier robbery syndicates.
In the first incident, the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, together with other law enforcement agencies, arrested five suspects after a company vehicle was allegedly hijacked in Winchester Hills and Mondeor, south of Johannesburg.
Police recovered the hijacked vehicle, three additional vehicles linked to the suspects and an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
In a separate intelligence-led operation in Reiger Park, Boksburg, officers intercepted two suspects believed to be planning another courier robbery.
A shootout and high-speed pursuit followed after the suspects allegedly resisted arrest. Both suspects were fatally wounded during the confrontation.
Authorities recovered illegal firearms, ammunition and two additional vehicles connected to the investigation.
Police say investigations into the suspected criminal networks remain ongoing and have reiterated their commitment to dismantling organised syndicates responsible for hijackings and commercial robberies across Gauteng.
Source: Gauteng Department of Community Safety.