THREE carjacking suspects were arrested after a shoot-out with police along the N2 freeway on 3 June.
Members of the SAPS were patrolling along the N2 when they saw a suspicious-looking VW Polo with four occupants.
According to Captain Thulani Zwane, the vehicle was circulated and came up as a hijacked vehicle in the Umbilo area on 29 May.
“The members tried to stop the vehicle but the occupants allegedly opened fire on police. They returned fire, fatally wounding one of the men. The second suspect was also wounded during the shootout and was taken to hospital for treatment under police guard. Two other suspects were also arrested and they will be charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition, attempted murder and possession of property suspected to be stolen,” said Capt Zwane.
A Norinco pistol with ammunition, cellphones and jewellery were also recovered. The men will appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court soon.
In the original case on 29 May, at about 7pm a woman was in her VW Polo vehicle when she was approached by three armed men. The men allegedly hijacked her car and drove away. A case of hijacking was opened at Umbilo police station for further investigation.
Lt Gen Commissioner Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the members for the speedy arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen vehicle as well as the firearm. “Criminals should be warned that police will not hesitate to retaliate when they come under attack during the execution of their official duties,” she said.
