Three appear in court for attempted murder and hijacking

LEANDRA – Three suspected hijackers, Lesedi Mokoena (36), Zwelithini Bless (50), and Lucky Ngwenyama (40), appeared before the Leandra Periodical Court on April 13 following their arrest for attempted car hijacking and attempted murder on April 10.

The incident happened on the R29 between Leandra and Kinross.

According to police reports, a 37-year-old driver was travelling in a charcoal Ford Ranger when he noticed a white Mercedes-Benz SUV with its headlights and hazard lights flashing, apparently attempting to stop him.

The driver continued driving for about two kilometres before pulling over at what he believed was a safer location near Leandra.

Police said the driver of the Mercedes-Benz exited the vehicle and approached the complainant, while two other suspects, both armed, occupied the passenger and rear seats.

Sensing danger, the complainant allegedly opened fire on the suspects, shooting one of them in the head. The suspects fled into nearby bushes while returning fire.

A fourth suspect, who remained in the Mercedes-Benz, also fled after the complainant fired shots to scare him away.

The complainant also sustained a gunshot wound to his left hand during the exchange of gunfire. Police found the abandoned Mercedes-Benz on the scene, which was later confirmed not to be stolen.

The officers traced the suspects’ escape route and about 500m into the bushes, they discovered the body of a man believed to be one of the suspects.

Further investigations led police to a liquor outlet in Leandra, where they apprehended Mokoena, Bless and Ngwenyama.

A case of attempted hijacking and attempted murder was opened.

The vehicle was seized and booked as an exhibit at SAPS, and four cellphones were also confiscated as part of the investigation.

The case was postponed to April 24 for a formal bail application.