Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

Two alleged hijackers are recovering in hospital after a shoot-out with police at a Total service station in Nandi Drive on the N2 south near KwaMashu at the weekend.

Both suspects, in their early 30s, are under police guard at an undisclosed hospital in Durban.

NetCare 911 spokesman Chris Botha said the suspects were in a critical condition after both were shot several times in the abdomen and pelvic areas.

The suspects were spotted by police in a minibus taxi, which had been reported missing in Port Shepstone earlier in the day.

Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge said on-duty police had stopped at the garage to buy some refreshments when they spotted the car.

Mdunge said on approaching the vehicle, police discovered four men inside.

The men then fired shots at the police. Police returned fire and two of the suspects were hit. Their accomplices fled on foot.

Mdunge said they were glad that police were able to catch the hijackers on the same day the car was stolen.

"The injured suspects, who cannot be named until they appear in court, will be investigated to see if they are linked to other hijackings," he said.

Found inside the stolen minibus taxi were two 9mm pistols, an AK47 assault riffle and two cellphones.

Police are investigating cases of attempted murder and hijacking.

The search for the other two suspects on the run continues.