Instead of shoplifting from stores, some thieves are zeroing in, targeting delivery trucks full of packages on the way to customers’ doorsteps.

This comes after several cases were reported at Witbank Police Station, where delivery van drivers now fear for their lives as they are constantly targeted whilst making delivery rounds.

The first case took place in Pine Ridge, where it was believed two courier guys were on their way to make a delivery at Azania Street.

The male victim alleges that he was at the gate waiting for a customer to collect the parcel. “I rang the bell several times whilst my colleague called the customer to inform him/her of our arrival, but there was no response,” he informed.

The victim further made claims that as he was waiting for the customer, a white Ford Ikon without a registration number was parked behind the courier van.

It is alleged that on Tuesday, January 10 at around 11:40, two male suspects threatened the drivers with firearms before instructing them to switch off the van and hand over the keys of the vehicle. “One robber approached the driver, whilst the other approached me from the passenger’s side of the van. He threatened to beat me to a pulp if i made a sound or refused to do anything he says. They also stole our cellphones,” the victim cried.

The suspects supposedly opened the van and proceeded to offload the valuables inside their Ford Ikon before fleeing the scene with valuables to an undisclosed amount of money.

As eMalahleni sees an increase in the number of armed robberies that seem to target courier delivery vans and trucks around the area, business owners should be concerned.

Another incident reportedly took place on the N4 highway where the victim mentioned that he was on his way to make a delivery at Highveld Steel on Wednesday, January 11 when he was approached by a large crowd.

“It was around 22:30, and I was waiting for the traffic to clear when I approached a large crowd. I immediately grabbed my license, wallet, and phone and ran for my life. As I was running, I heard people screaming my whereabouts because they wanted to set me on fire,” the driver alleges.

As he made his way back, the driver claimed to have witnessed individuals stripping and stealing items from the truck before setting it on fire.

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