As e-commerce continues to grow in South Africa, delivery trucks and vans have become prime targets for hijacking syndicates, significantly increasing security costs for companies. Executives from logistics firms reported that high-value goods being transported by e-commerce giants like Amazon, Shein, and Temu are frequently hijacked, leading to rising expenses for hiring security escorts.
Craig Pitchers, CEO of The Courier Guy, highlighted that the increased cost of security, along with soaring fuel prices, is cutting into their profit margins. Diederick Stopforth from SkyNet Worldwide Express noted that South Africa is experiencing about 20-25 hijacks a day, forcing companies to use cash-in-transit vehicles to transport valuable goods.
With e-commerce growing rapidly in the country, the number of delivery vehicles on the roads has increased significantly. The police have established task teams to address the hijacking issue, but these attacks remain a persistent threat to the logistics industry.