AN off-duty policeman shot and killed two hijackers in KwaMakhutha yesterday morning (Monday, 26 March).
At about 9.45am, the police official was driving his vehicle along Dazi Meyiwa Road in KwaMakhutha’s section 10 when a group of gunmen hijacked a white Nissan Tiida.
While at the stop street, the suspects bumped into the front of the policeman’s vehicle and cut him off. When one of the criminals ordered him out of his vehicle at gunpoint, a shoot-out ensued. Two men believed to be in their 30s died at the scene.
Investigations revealed the men had robbed a local tuck-shop of an undisclosed amount of cash. They also robbed the shop owner of his vehicle and attempted to hijack the off-duty police official. An unlicensed gun with five rounds of ammunition and a toy gun were recovered from the criminals. Cash taken during the robbery was also confiscated from the deceased men.
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A few kilometres away from the scene, the body of another man was found. He had sustained gunshot wounds and a toy gun was found in his possession. It is suspected he was among the same group of robbers.
Charges of armed robbery, hijacking, attempted murder, attempted hijacking, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as an inquest are being investigated by KwaMakhutha SAPS.
Police believe the same group of men entered a house at 2.55am on Friday, 23 March and tied up the occupants with ropes before assaulting them. They took a laptop, tablet, cellphones and other belongings before they fled the scene in a getaway vehicle. The victims were taken to hospital for treatment of the injuries they sustained.
KwaMakhutha SAPS is investigating that armed robbery and believe it may have been committed by the same gang.
KZN acting SAPS commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa praised the police official for risking his life to protect the community.
“I am glad the police official escaped unharmed during the shooting. We will not rest until all those involved are locked behind the bars,” he said.
The KwaMakhutha community also commended the police official for his bravery.
“We want more police officials of this calibre to fight crime in this area,” said one community member.
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