Six suspects were arrested after hijacking a vehicle and abducting the vehicle driver in Kwazakele. This followed after an elderly driver, 60 years old, giving two males a lift in his vehicle, a white Honda Ballade in Johnson Road.
While driving he was pointed with a firearm by one of the suspects and ordered to stop in Qeqe Street. He was then locked up in the boot of his vehicle and driven around by the suspects and more persons getting into the vehicle.
Five hours later and just after midnight at about 00:30, Motherwell Cluster Command Centre members on patrol spotted this suspicious vehicle in Maya Street, Soweto on Sea. On seeing police the suspects speedily drove off. A vehicle chase ensued and in Kaunda Street, Soweto on Sea the vehicle stopped and one armed male jumped out of the vehicle and started shooting at the police members.
The SAPS members returned fire and through tactical procedures managed to arrest all 6 suspects that were in the vehicle including the 18 year old suspect that shot at police. The relieved 60 year old hijack victim was rescued from the boot of the vehicle and was unharmed during the incident.
The 9mm pistol containing 3 live rounds of ammunition was dropped by the suspect when police returned fire and was confiscated. No persons were injured during the shooting.
The suspects all aged 18 to 24 will be appearing before the New Brighton Magistrates Court on Tuesday 30 October to face their respective charges of hijacking, possession of stolen vehicle, attempted murder, abduction and illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The Motherwell Cluster Commander, Major General Dawie Rabie applauded the arrests and added “With the build up to the launch of the Safer Festive Season police have been deployed in strategic areas to focus on illegal firearms and prevention of serious crimes involving the use of firearms and violence. We will have a zero tolerance approach towards these crimes and perpetrators will be facing the full force of the law.”
South Africa Today – South Africa News
