Update, 3 December 2016 at 9. 53pm
A case of hijacking and armed robbery is under investigation following an attempted hijacking near the The Palazzo at Montecasino earlier this afternoon, 3 December.
Provincial police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said, “It is alleged that at about 4pm this afternoon a 66-year-old woman and her husband arrived at Monte Casino and as soon as they parked their vehicle, a gold Porche Cayenne, the woman went to the boot of the vehicle to fetch her handbag and was then approached by the 3 unknown armed men wearing black hand gloves.
Makhubela revealed that the suspects pointed a firearm at her and robbed her of her gold wedding ring. He added, “When her husband saw what was happening, he confronted the suspects and they also pointed a firearm at him and also robbed him of his wrist watch.”
The suspects then quickly got into the victims’ vehicle and drove towards the boom-gate. In front of the vehicle the suspects were in was Mercedes Benz Vito which was also waiting for the security to open the gate. One of the suspects got out of vehicle and confronted the driver of the Vito then pointed a firearm at him. The driver and his occupants got out of the vehicle and took cover, said Makhubela.
“When the security guards noticed what was happening, they confronted the suspects and when they [suspects] realised that they were cornered they again pointed firearms at the security guards. A shootout ensued and one suspect was shot in the upper body, he was certified dead at the scene. The other two suspects fled the scene on foot and are still at large.”
Makhubela said the hijacked vehicle was recovered at the scene. A 9mm pistol, a magazine with 11 rounds, gold ring and a cellphone. Police are appealling to anyone with information that might assist with investigation to phone Douglasdale Police Station on (011) 699 1333 or sms at 23311.
Initial Report, 3 December at 6.39pm
It is believed that an attempted hijacking took place near the The Palazzo at Montecasino earlier this afternoon.
According to the chairperson of the Douglasdale Community Policing Forum, Jean Berdou, the hijacking was foiled.
Berdou said, “There is a massive police presence in the Montecasino area at the moment. It is currently an active crime scene. Police will release a statement soon.”
Further details remain unclear at this stage, however, updates will follow.
