Hijackers who allegedly shot and killed two people during a hijacking in Empangeni have been arrested in a township near Groutville in KwaDukuza.

Members of the KwaDukuza law enforcement community yesterday arrested 3 armed hijacking suspects who were in possession of an unlicensed AK47 rifle and 9mm pistol.

At around 8.30am, KwaDukuza Detectives learnt that a hijacked VW Polo was in the Ntshawini area.

The car had been hijacked by force in Empangeni and it is alleged that two people were shot and killed in the process, said KwaDukuza Saps spokesperson, Priya Nunkumar.

“Together with private security companies, Saps and KwaDukuza Crime Prevention responded and stopped the vehicle.

“A 22-year-old suspect was arrested while a 9mm pistol with the serial number filed off and 6 live rounds of ammunition were recovered from the vehicle,” she said.

A second vehicle which was following the VW Polo was also stopped and two men aged 30 and 28 were arrested.

An AK47 rifle with 20 live rounds of ammunition was discovered in the vehicle.

“Suspects have been arrested and charged for being in possession of a firearm without a license and for being in possession of unlawful ammunition. They will appear in court in due time.”

KwaDukuza Saps acting station commander, Colonel Mthethwa applauded the arrests.

“Well done to all role players on successfully recovering the two illegal firearms and removing such dangerous weapons from the streets of KwaDukuza,” he said.

“We urge all members of the community to contact KwaDukuza Saps should you have any information on illegal firearms or crime tip offs, alternatively you can report your tip offs by using the My Saps app”, he added.