Resident dies in attempted hijacking

Police changed a case of attempted hijacking to murder after a resident from Flora Park died in hospital after being hit in a shoot-out where suspected robbers fired several shots at him in Koorsboom Street last Friday.
Linton Mahlatji and a friend had to flee from their vehicle ducking bullets as they made their way into the house. “We were sitting outside in my friend’s car when we saw the neighbour coming down the street in his Ford Bantam bakkie. The next moment there was a grey Volkswagen Golf GTi next to him with one of the occupants opening fire,” Mahlatji said.
It is alleged that the victim ramped the GTi after which he lost control and collided with the stationery vehicle in which Mahlatji and his friend were sitting. “When we noticed what was going on we immediately exited the car and scrambled for the house. I first took cover inside the yard on the ground and hurt my hand in the process before entering the house,” Mahlatji said.
It is not sure how many shots were fired but Police found at least three cartridges on the scene.
It was not the first time Mahla-tji had such a close ordeal with armed robbers. In 2012 he was trapped in a shootout in Hillbrow, Johannesburg and had to run for his life to avoid being killed.
The victim was apparently shot in the right hip. It is alleged that his wife rushed him to hospital where he later died. His identity could not be confirmed by the time of going to print.
Police on the scene were not sure of the motive behind the shooting but indicated that the victim might have withdrawn money at a bank whereafter he was followed home.
Polokwane Police Communication Head Ntobeng Phala confirmed the incident. “We have not made any arrest yet. We know that a white GTi was allegedly involved and urge anyone with information to contact the station immediately. Investigations continue,” Phala said.

Story: RC Myburgh
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Photo: YOLANDE NEL
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Featured photo: Linton Mahlatji injured his hand as he scrambled for cover after armed robbers started shooting at a resident in Koorsboom Street on Friday morning. Behind him is the victim’s bakkie and the vehicle he and a friend were occupying during the shooting.