NELSPRUIT - The Police in Mpumalanga condemns an incident in which a man in his early thirties was struck by a speeding vehicle, reportedly driven by alleged hijackers. It is said that the suspects were attempting to flee from private security after an attempted truck jacking on the N12 Road, off-ramp in Etwatwa near Sundra, this morning at around 09:30.

According to the report, two Pakistani Nationals were travelling on the N12 Road, direction to Witbank after purchasing some goods from Springs when they were pulled over by a silver Toyota Corolla with four suspects who attempted to hijack them.

Fortunately private security guards in the close vicinity, noticed the incident that was unfolding and attended to the scene. On arrival a shootout ensued between the security and the suspects whereby two suspects were reportedly shot and killed.

Two unlicensed firearms were recovered. Their two accomplicess are said to have then fled the scene with the said vehicle chased by the security heading towards Katboschfontein Road in Sundra.

It is further said that the suspects hit a cyclist near Sundra as they were fleeing to evade the arrest. Unfortunately the cyclist succumbed to his injuries. After crashing, they (suspects) then abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot where they disappeared in the nearby bushes. A case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the Sundra Police.

Preliminary investigation has so far revealed that the said Corolla was reported stolen during February 2022 in Kempton Park (Gauteng Province) and it was fitted with false number plates. The deceased has not yet been identified.

Police urge anyone with information that may assist in arresting the suspects that are still at large to contact Detective Captain Linky Olckers at 082 370 0921 or the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Members of the public can also send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service