A family’s worst nightmare almost became a reality yesterday (August 7).

While travelling in the Gelucksburg area, the couple and their three-year-old child were hijacked by armed men.
The men removed the family from their VW Polo and bundled them into a getaway vehicle, a Toyota Corolla and drove off, taking the family’s vehicle with.

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As police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele explains, the quick-thinking couple managed to contact police.

“The suspects were immediately intercepted by the police and a shootout ensued,” Colonel Mbele said.

One of the men was injured during the crossfire and was taken to hospital under police guard.

“Police recovered a pistol, the victim’s vehicle, suspects’ vehicle that is believed to be stolen and dagga. Three suspects were taken into custody and will appear in the Bergville Magistrate’s Court soon,” said Colonel Mbele.

The trio charged with carjacking, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of dagga.

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“None of the police officers were injured during the shootout and the recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain whether it was used in any other crime,” concluded the Colonel.

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