Highway patrol arrests five, rescues victim of hijacking
Five suspects were arrested, two firearms recovered and a wounded hijacking victim rescued after Highway Patrol members engaged in a high-speed chase and shootout on the R562 on February 27.
Highway Patrol members arrested five suspects, recovered two firearms and rescued a hijacking victim, on February 27.
At around 18:50, members were patrolling on R562 when at the corner of Republic Road, they were stopped by members of the public.
A female witness reported seeing a male victim being forced into a silver Kia hatchback by unknown suspects. With the description of the vehicle members chased off in the indicated direction on the R562.
The Kia was quickly located leading to a pursuit in which the occupants of the vehicle fired shots at the Highway Patrol members. They retaliated in self-defence leading to the vehicle being brought to a stop.
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Five suspects were arrested in the Kia and one victim, who was wounded, was rescued from the vehicle and taken for medical treatment. It was alleged that the victim had been hijacked of his delivery motorcycle and abducted by the suspects.
Inside the vehicle members recovered a pistol and revolver which were processed together with the scene by Local Criminal Record Centre experts.
While on scene an additional complainant stopped and reported that the same suspects had allegedly attempted to hijack his Hyundai i10 earlier the evening.
Investigation continues in these cases.
The suspects will appear in the local magistrate’s court, facing charges of armed robbery, attempted murder, kidnapping and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
