GAUTENG – On Friday 29 April 2022 at about 22:00, what started as an ordinary routine patrol soon changed to a shootout with suspects that had hijacked a Mercedes Benz SUV with three occupants in Katlehong, Kwanele Section. The police officers rescued the hijacked victims and arrested one suspect.
The police noticed two vehicles, a Toyota Etios and the Mercedes Benz parked on the side of the road. When the members approached the stationary vehicles, they were met with shots that were fired by the occupants of the Etios. The members returned fire and the suspects in the Etios sped off leaving their accomplice behind.
Upon questioning the occupants in the Mercedes Benz, the police realised that they have just intercepted a hijacking in progress.
The victims told the police that they had been held there by four armed men demanding pin codes for their bank cards.
Unfortunately during shooting, the young man was shot on the hip. He was taken to hospital for medical attention. The police are following leads to apprehend the suspects that fled the scene.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended the members involved in rescuing the victims.
“These members were vigilant as expected of any operationally ready member on duty. Their conduct and approach to a potentially risky situation has resulted in three victims of hijacking being rescued before the incident was even reported to the police,” said Lieutenant General Mawela who went on to explain how kidnappings and hijackings have been a challenge that Gauteng Province’s operational plan has been mitigating in recent months through strategic deployments and stop and search operations.
The arrested 27-year-old suspect will be charged with possession of hijacked motor vehicle and attempted murder. He is expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 3 May 2022.
Source: South African Police Service