Hijacking ends in shootout
The hijacking victims were found in the veld without any injuries and were taken to the Brakpan Police Station.
Two suspected hijackers were injured during a shootout with the police last Tuesday afternoon following a hijacking in Dalview.
According to information received, a married couple travelling in a white Lexus stopped at Wimpy along Hendrik Potgieter Road at 14:38 for something to eat.
They parked and as a waiter approached the vehicle to take their order, a man appeared and pushed the waiter aside.
He was armed with a gun and forced the husband, who had been driving while his wife was seated in the back, to the passenger side of the vehicle.
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A second hijacker, also armed with a gun, climbed into the back and pressed the weapon to the woman’s stomach. The first gunman then got into the car and they drove off.
The couple was robbed of five cellphones and R10 000 in cash, and after a 20-minute horror ride, they were driven to a veld and let go.
The hijacked vehicle was, however, soon spotted by patrolling SAPS Ekurhuleni Task Team members who were on the lookout for the car after being alerted to the incident.
They proceeded to Heidelberg Road (R23), which is commonly used as an escape route by criminals, and caught sight of the Lexus along Koot Street in Withok Estates.
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The hijackers sped off once they noticed the police were on their heels and the chase continued to Tsakani where two men got out of the car and opened fire on the officers.
They then tried to flee on foot, but police returned fire and continued to give chase.
The pair was cornered at a house and as police approached them, they saw them throwing what appeared to be firearms over the fence.
They were apprehended and placed under arrest. One of the men sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and his leg, while the other was injured.
Both were taken to the Pholosong Hospital for medical attention. Police recovered two firearms and 11 rounds of live ammunition on the scene. Other items seized included cellphones and a wallet.
The hijacking victims were found in the veld without any injuries and were taken to the Brakpan Police Station.
“Both suspects will be charged with hijacking and possession of firearms and ammunition,” said local SAPS spokesperson Capt Pearl van Staad, adding that Brakpan police station commander Brig Fredl Jonck thanked the members for their swift response and commitment in apprehending the duo.
