Suspected hijacker shot and killed by TMPD officers

Tshwane Metro Police (TMPD) officers shot and killed a suspected hijacker during a routine patrol in Hercules, Pretoria on Friday.

TMPD spokesperson Nonhlanhla Mgiba alleged that the shooting occurred when the officers spotted four suspicious men in a green Corolla.

“The drug unit members decided to stop their vehicle and approached the suspects with a view of questioning and searching them. It is alleged that  the late suspect reached for a firearm prompting one of the officers to shoot the assailant in self-defence.

“One suspect was shot and killed instantly. Two suspects from the same vehicle were arrested trying to escape the scene of crime, while the fourth remains on the run. Information at the police’ disposal indicates that the suspects were en route to hijack a Range Rover,” she said.

Meanwhile, the city’s K9 unit recovered five vehicles that were hijacked and stolen this week and arrested four suspects linked to the crimes.

“One of the four suspects was found in possession of car-jamming devices and other related tools. The arrests and vehicle recoveries are a commendable effort which is aimed at rooting out criminality in the City of Tshwane,” Mgiba said.