Shots fired in dramatic west arrest

A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to run over members of the Tshwane police flying squad as they followed up on a hijacked vehicle on Tuesday.

“Members were following up on information about a white Ford Ranger hijacked in Mabopane,” spokesperson Constable Bontle Rahatji said.

She said the vehicle’s tracking system led police to a hostel in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria.

“As the members approached the Ranger they saw grey Volkswagen Polo driving towards them at a high speed and tried to run them over.”

The vehicle was allegedly wanted in connection to “numerous” other hijackings.

“The members fired shots at the car and eventually managed to get the suspect out of the vehicle,” she said.

Rahatji said while the police officers fought with the man, they were “attacked” by hostel residents.

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“While fighting with the suspect, the community from the hostel attacked the members and freed him.”

One of the police officers was robbed of his firearm and holster during the scuffle.

“The member ran after the suspect and caught him,” she said.

The police later recovered an official 9mm pistol with a filed off serial number and SAPS hand radio from the vehicle.

“The white Ford Ranger was also recovered.”

Another vehicle, a white Volkswagen Golf TSi, allegedly hijacked in Sunnyside was also recovered.

Rahatji said the 34-year-old would soon appear in the Atteridgeville magistrate’s court on charges of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, police hand radio and stolen motor vehicle.

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