Ladysmith KZN: Shoot-out between police and suspects after house robbery and two hijackings
The suspects shot at the officer in pursuit, who returned fire
Criminals were on the rampage this afternoon (June 11), committing a house robbery and then two hijackings while making their getaway. There was also a shoot-out with police that resulted in the robbers abandoning the second hijacked vehicle.
The house robbery took place in Lucknow Road and the suspects fled the scene on foot towards AK’s Hyper in Delhi Road.
When the suspects got to AK’s, they hijacked a vehicle at gunpoint and stole several items from the driver.
A resident of Lucknow Road gave chase after the suspects and when the gun-toting thugs noticed this, they left the first vehicle they had hijacked and turned their attention to their pursuer. They pointed their firearms at the driver, hauled him out of his Toyota Corolla and sped off in the vehicle, leaving the first hijacked car behind at AK’s Hyper.
Also read: Store in CBD found with counterfeit clothing
A police officer from the Crime Intelligence Gathering (CIG) Unit happened to be at AK’s Hyper at the time and heard the commotion outside. He immediately went in pursuit of the robbers and a high-speed chase ensued.
In Burger Street, near a panel-beating shop, the suspects started shooting at the officer, who retaliated by returning fire.
Realising that their luck had run out, the suspects drove off the roadway and abandoned the Toyota Corolla in the bush before fleeing on foot.
Police have launched a massive manhunt and are currently searching the area for the hijackers. At this stage, no arrests have been made.
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