Two hijackers killed in Pinetown
In two separate incidents, two men, who attempted to hijack cab drivers in the Pinetown area, were shot dead at the weekend.
PINETOWN police arrested three men for attempted hijacking in two separate incidents at the weekend.
On Saturday, 13 April at about 11pm, a cab driver received a request to pick up three men from New Germany. When he arrived at Regal Crescent, the three men robbed him.
The driver quickly responded, pulled out his firearm and shot one of the hijackers in the head. The man died at the scene. According to Pinetown Cluster communications officer, Cpt Bongumusa Manqele, the cab driver fired two more shots, one of which hit one of the other hijackers.
“The third suspect hid on the back seat. The driver drove to the KwaDabeka police station to report the incident. When he arrived at the police station, he saw the third suspect lying in the vehicle. He was arrested and charged with attempted hijacking. The second suspect, who was shot, was taken to hospital under police guard,” said Manqele.
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In another incident, on Sunday, 14 April, an e-hailing services driver was on duty in New Germany when he was approached by two men who enquired about a trip to Fannin Extension in Clermont.
“When they got into the back seat of the car, the driver noticed that they were both in possession of firearms. The suspects told the driver to drive into another direction, contrary to the direction they said they were going to,” said Manqele.
The driver then saw a marked police vehicle, flagged it down and told the police officers that he had two armed passengers in his vehicle.
“One of the police officers went to check and, when he got to the vehicle, one suspect ran away,” said Manqele.
The other armed man pointed his firearm at the police officer, who quickly retaliated and shot the man in the throat, fatally wounding him.
A 19-year-old man was arrested shortly thereafter and positively identified as the suspect who fled the scene.
Inquest dockets have also been opened for both incidents. The arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court soon.
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