A Carletonville motorist foiled a terrifying hijacking plot on August 3 after staging a daring escape.

The incident unfolded at 09:00. The 32-year-old victim was driving his white Mahindra bakkie toward the corner of Dolomite Street and Reinecke Street, when a black Suzuki hatchback abruptly pulled up alongside him. A rear-seat passenger from the Suzuki got out, brandished a firearm, and pulled the keys from the Mahindra’s ignition. Simultaneously, a second accomplice approached the passenger side and also threatened the driver with a gun.

The armed men forced the motorist into the middle seat before they drove with him to the Block 8 informal housing area near Blyvooruitzicht. Seizing a split-second opportunity for freedom, the resilient car owner grabbed a firearm tucked into one of the hijacker’s sides.

As the weapon fell to the ground, he pulled up the handbrake and ran from the vehicle to safety. The brave resident immediately alerted local police, who quickly broadcast a nationwide lookout for the stolen Mahindra and the suspects.

Law enforcement officials tracked the vehicle’s movements using security cameras, allowing members of the SAPS Rapid Response Unit to give chase.

Officers successfully intercepted the vehicle near Bekkersdal and arrested a 53-year-old suspect from Soweto in connection with the crime.