Johannesburg Central Police Cluster Crime Combating Unit arrested a 20-year-old suspect on 16 January on the corner of Roseneath and East roads in Rewlatch in Johannesburg.
Another suspect is still on the run, said the station’s spokesperson, Captain Xoli Mbele.
The suspects face charges of attempted car hijacking, attempted murder and armed robbery, according to Mbele.
The two allegedly hijacked and robbed a 32-year-old driver of a white Toyota meter taxi.
Mbele explained, “The driver was called to pick up two males at McDonald’s near the University of Johannesburg in Auckland Park. They jumped into his car and told him that they were going to Rewlatch.
Read: Joburg police launch a manhunt for car hijacker
“As he stopped at Rewlatch, the suspect who was sitting at the back took out a firearm and pointed it at the driver while the other suspect who was sitting in the front seat took out a knife.”
Thereafter they instructed him to drive to a dark place before they took his two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The driver then stopped his meter taxi, took the keys from the ignition and ran away.
Mbele added, “They tried to chase him on foot but they could not catch him. They left the vehicle.
“The driver came back and chased them with his car and bumped one of the suspects with his car and his accomplice fired several shots that damaged a windscreen of the vehicle.”
Community members came to his rescue after hearing gunshots and an ambulance was contacted and paramedics treated the suspect on the scene.
The other suspect is still at large but Mbele said an investigation is underway. The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Details: Johannesburg Central Police Station 011 497 7135.
