Three men suspected to be part of a local hijacking syndicate have been apprehended.
The men were arrested in a joint operation involving the KwaDukuza SAPS crime intelligence unit, tactical response team and the Umhlali SAPS task team, last week.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS media liaison captain Thulani Zwane said the police operation began immediately after a hijacking was reported at Shombela Township in KwaDukuza on April 19.
“The victim was at his friend’s place off-loading goods from his car, when he was approached by three armed men. The men apparently overpowered him and took a 9mm pistol from him. They fired shots at the victim but he was not injured. The men got away in the victim’s Toyota Hilux bakkie.”
The men were arrested four days later and police confiscated two unlicensed firearms from them, one of which was stolen during the hijacking.
The men, aged between 16 and 26, appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court on April 23 facing charges of hijacking, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The case was postponed for further investigation and the men will remain in police custody.
Provincial police commissioner lieutenant general Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended police on their efficiency.
“This shows that our officers are dedicated in their duties to make sure that wanted criminals are apprehended and brought before the law.”
