DURBAN � A 20-year-old suspect is in custody after he appeared in the Umlazi Magistrates Court on 27 September 2019. He was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property after he was found driving a vehicle that was hijacked at Merebank in the Wentworth policing precinct in June this year.

On 26 September 2019, police officers from Provincial Task Team were conducting their operation on P section in Umlazi when they spotted a hijacked vehicle with three occupants on Siqunga Road. They instructed them to stop but the occupants stopped the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver (20) was found inside the vehicle and was immediately arrested.

Police chased the fleeing suspects who opened fire on them and a shootout ensued on Msingane Road. Both suspects aged 29 and 30 sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital for medical attention under police guard. Police recovered a revolver with three rounds of ammunition from the suspects. They will be charged for attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. They will appear in the Umlazi Magistrates Court soon.

The arrested suspect (20) was taken to Umlazi police station for detention. He was charged for possession of suspected stolen property. All suspects will also be linked to a carjacking case that was opened at Wentworth police station.

Source: South African Police Service