A Port Elizabeth Uber driver was the victim of an attempted hijacking on Saturday night when a "customer" held him at gunpoint during a ride from Humewood to Mount Pleasant.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the driver‚ 30‚ picked the suspect up in Humewood at around 8.30pm.

“On the way‚ in Glendore Road in Walmer‚ the 24-year-old suspect pulled out a firearm and pointed [it] at the driver‚” said Naidu.

“He was ordered to stop and get out of his Volkswagen Polo Vivo.” Naidu said the driver was robbed of his cell phone while he and the suspect were both outside the vehicle‚ but that the keys had been left in the ignition.

“As the suspect walked towards the vehicle [to drive away]‚ the Uber driver ran after him and a scuffle ensued between both of them.

"Shots went off and the suspect sustained three gunshot wounds.”

The suspect ran to a nearby house in Beethoven Road where an ambulance was summoned.

“The stolen cell phone was in his possession. It is further alleged that the 9mm pistol belongs to the suspect’s father‚ who reported the firearm stolen last night to Walmer police.”

Naidu said the suspect‚ who is currently in hospital under police guard‚ lives with his parents in Walmer township.

Police are investigating a case of attempted hijacking and armed robbery.