A Benoni resident was the latest victim of a hijacking at the notorious hijacking hotspot at the intersection of Vincent Tshabalala Road and 8th Avenue.
The victim, driving a VW Polo, was approached by three men while stopped at the traffic lights at about 10am on 16 October. One of the suspects brandished a firearm, ordered the victim to get out of his car and the three of them then jumped into the vehicle and sped off.
A passing police car was flagged down by the victim and the suspects were chased and cornered on 20th Avenue, Alex. The suspects are said to have abandoned the car to flee on foot.
Police fired one shot at the fleeing suspects and wounded one of them in the shoulder. He was subsequently arrested and taken an undisclosed hospital under police guard. Two of the suspects managed to escape and are still at large. Police did not want to disclose the name of the hospital for fear his accomplices mount a raid to rescue their partner.
Alex police spokesperson Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said a manhunt had been launched for the other two suspects who escaped; while their colleague in hospital would appear in court once he was well enough.
Motorists in the vicinity of Vincent Tshabalala Road and 8th Avenue are warned that it has become a notorious hijacking spot, as more and more motorists fall prey to marauding thugs at this intersection almost every week.
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