Hijacking suspect shot dead outside Kloof hotel
Two other suspects were arrested after fleeing the scene during an operation which was held to combat the high number of theft of vehicles in the area.
A HIJACKING suspect was shot dead in Kloof following a joint operation by Metro police officers, the Kloof CPF and Blue Security last night, Friday, 14 May.
Pinetown Cluster communications officer, Capt Bongumusa Manqele said the operation was sparked by the high number of motor vehicle thefts in the area.
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According to Manqele, the team received information of the suspects who were using a silver grey Toyota Corolla.
“One of the CPF members was parked in the parking lot at Tinas Hotel when he noticed the suspect vehicle entering with four occupants. The suspects then got out from their vehicle and removed the front passenger window of a VW Polo which was parked in the parking lot.”
It is alleged that one of the suspects started the car and reversed it.
“Another suspect also opened the driver’s door of a Toyota Etios by tampering with the lock.”
Manqele reported that a CPF member who witnessed the incident called for back up.
A Blue Security vehicle and a Metro vehicle responded.
“The suspects noticed the Metro vehicle and three of them then ran into the bush. The suspect driving the Toyota Corolla tried to drive out of the parking lot. The CPF vehicle, the Metro vehicle and the Blue Security vehicle blocked the exit,” said Manqele.
It is alleged that the suspect then drove up an embankment into a flower garden in an attempt to pass the vehicles and exit the parking.
“He then crashed with the CPF and Metro vehicles. It was at that stage, the driver of the Blue Security vehicle jumped out of his vehicle, drew his firearm and waved for the suspect to stop.”
Manqele reported that the suspect drove straight towards the security officer, crashed with his vehicle and came to a stop.
“The officer then saw a muzzle flash coming from the suspects’ vehicle and fired shots at the suspects vehicle.
“The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene,” he said.
Two suspects who fled the scene were arrested in the bushes by the K9 Unit. One toy firearm and various instruments which are often used for stealing motor vehicles were found in the suspects’ vehicles.
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