Motorist hijacked and kidnapped at gunpoint in Avoca

TWO suspects held a motorist at gunpoint during a carjacking on Mhlangane Road in Avoca on Thursday, 25 February.

The suspects, one of whom is said to be a a former security guard, then allegedly forced the motorist to drive them to KwaMashu.

Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele said, “It is alleged that on 25 February at 10am, the victim stopped his company vehicle on Mhlangane Road in Avoca Hills to purchase cigarettes. A white Toyota Fortuner intercepted his vehicle and the occupants pointed firearms at him.”

“The [two] men forced the victim into his vehicle and instructed him to drive to KwaMashu Hostel. The [other] suspects followed the victim with their vehicle towards KwaMashu Hostel.” 

A member of the community who witnessed the incident alerted Greenwood Park SAPS officers who were patrolling in the area, added Mbhele. 

Spokesperson for the Greenwood Park SAPS, Captain Jerome Slater said their Crime Prevention members, Warrant Officer Naidoo, Sgt Mhlongo, Sgt Ntuli and Sgt Nxumalo responded to the M25 Highway where they arrested two suspects.

Slater said the members searched the suspects and recovered a 9mm pistol with 10 rounds of ammunition in the possession of one of the suspects.

Also read: Criminals pose as workers in blue overalls in Durban North armed robbery

According to Mbhele, the occupants who were following the victim in the white Toyota Fortuner sped off when they noticed the arrest of their accomplices.

“The victim was not harmed and it is believed that he was hijacked for the goods that were in the vehicle. Two cell phones and gloves were also seized for forensic investigation. The firearm is licensed to one of the suspects, who is a former security guard. The suspects are being profiled to ascertain whether they are involved in other hijackings committed in the area,” said Mbhele. 

Also read: Inquest docket opened after recovery of decomposed body off uMhlanga’s beach

Both suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrate Court soon.

A search for the suspects that fled is continuing, said Mbele. 

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