Three suspects who allegedly hijacked a policeman’s vehicle in Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal on Saturday night were arrested after a shootout with police in which two of the suspects were wounded.
KZN police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Shooz Magudulela said the 41-year0old Pietermaritzburg police officer was near the Alexander swimming pool when the suspects hijacked his vehicle.
“As the suspects sped off with his vehicle‚ he immediately alerted police who swiftly responded to the incident. Police came across the suspects‚ driving at high speed and confronted them. The suspects opened fire on police and a shootout ensued.
“Two suspects were shot and injured whilst a third was not injured. They were all arrested and the injured men were taken to hospital for medical attention where they remain under police guard‚” Magudulela said.
He added that police had recovered the hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off.
“The suspects will be charged for hijacking‚ possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted murder. They will appear at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court soon.
“The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic tests to establish if it was used in the commission of any other crime in the country.”
KwaZulu-Natal acting police provincial commissioner‚ Major-General Bhekinkosi Langa lauded police for the swift arrest of the hijackers.
“We are glad that our police officers escaped unscathed during the shootout. I urge our police officers to remain alert at all times to protect the citizens of this province and prevent criminal activities from taking place‚” he said.
Hijackers arrested after shootout in Pietermaritzburg
Three suspects who allegedly hijacked a policeman’s vehicle in Pietermaritzburg in Kwazulu-Natal on Saturday night were arrested after a shootout with police in which two of the suspects were wounded.
KZN police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Shooz Magudulela said the 41-year0old Pietermaritzburg police officer was near the Alexander swimming pool when the suspects hijacked his vehicle.
“As the suspects sped off with his vehicle‚ he immediately alerted police who swiftly responded to the incident. Police came across the suspects‚ driving at high speed and confronted them. The suspects opened fire on police and a shootout ensued.
“Two suspects were shot and injured whilst a third was not injured. They were all arrested and the injured men were taken to hospital for medical attention where they remain under police guard‚” Magudulela said.
He added that police had recovered the hijacked vehicle and an unlicensed 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off.
“The suspects will be charged for hijacking‚ possession of an unlicensed firearm and attempted murder. They will appear at the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court soon.
“The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic tests to establish if it was used in the commission of any other crime in the country.”
KwaZulu-Natal acting police provincial commissioner‚ Major-General Bhekinkosi Langa lauded police for the swift arrest of the hijackers.
“We are glad that our police officers escaped unscathed during the shootout. I urge our police officers to remain alert at all times to protect the citizens of this province and prevent criminal activities from taking place‚” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos