THE theft of a Mercedes Benz in Woodlands on Tuesday, 9 June resulted in a high speed shoot-out in Umgababa and the arrest of two men.
The car was hijacked in Verity Avenue in Woodlands and reported to police. The following day, it was seen by Umkomaas SAPS on the R102 near Umgababa followed by a blue Fiat Punto. The officers called for support from the Umkomaas K9 Unit and together they pursued the vehicles. During a high speed chase, the occupants of the Fiat shot at police who returned fire.
The driver of the Mercedes Benz lost control and drove into an embankment and was quickly arrested, while his passenger attempted to flee on foot. The canine unit was able to track the man down and he too was arrested.
Provincial task team member, W/O Tiger Ramsamy confirmed through his interrogations that the man was in the area at the time of the hijacking. A 9mm Norinco pistol with its serial number filed off and eight rounds of ammunition were recovered.
“Montclair SAPS management commends the members on the arrest and recovery of the vehicle,” said communications officer, W/O Poobalan Marimuthu.
