UPDATE: Hijacked Lenasia businessman Monty Devchand passes away

The family of a prominent Lenasia businessman who was hijacked has confirmed that he has passed away.

Monty Devchand was hijacked at his place of business in Grand Place, by unknown suspects on Thursday.

Devchand’s family owns the popular Laxmi Cash and Carry grocery outlet in Lenasia. His family said he passed away on Friday.

“The Devchand family regrets to inform the community of the passing of Manish Devchand.

“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and good wishes received over this difficult time – this is indeed a reflection of the high esteem in which Monty was held. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared in due course,” the family said.

Hijacking

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers found the philanthropist laying on the roadway.

“Whilst attending the scene, the officers received information that the gentleman is a businessman from Lenasia, who was hijacked earlier and thrown out of the moving vehicle.

It’s understood the suspects fled in Devchand’s vehicle.

ALSO READ: Lenasia businessman injured in hijacking

Fihla said the matter was reported to the Lenasia police station and the case was being investigated.

According to Pulsate Emergency Services, Devchand has sustained a “massive head injury”.

“The patient was found in a critical condition, we stabilised him and he was taken to the Lenmed Ahmed Kathrada Private Hospital for further care,” Pulsate Shuaib Ebrahim said.

Hijacker killed

Meanwhile, a suspected hijacker was shot dead by a metro police officer in an attempt to rescue a woman driver in Durban on Wednesday

It is understood the officer was travelling behind the woman’s car when the suspects tried to hijack her.

“Four male suspects approached the female victim’s vehicle in an attempted hijacking.

“Three shots were fired by the metro police officer, hitting one suspect in the head while the other three fled the scene,” said metro police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu.

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