ZWELITSHA - Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene commended the sterling efforts of SAPS Mount Frere and Mthatha Flying Squad members after a high speed chase ended in the recovery of a hijacked vehicle and the arrest of a suspect.
It is alleged that on Monday, 20 June 2022 at about 17:00, the complainant (45) and his shop employee departed from Ntabankulu on route to Durban. At about 17:30, as they passed Kokstad on the N2, they were blocked off by a Nissan bakkie. Two males (one armed with a firearm and the other with a knife) approached the complainant’s grey Toyota Hilux bakkie. Both men forced themselves into the vehicle and covered their victims heads with bags and drove off. The suspects made a U-turn and headed back towards Mount Ayliff.
The complainant and his passenger were dumped in the Phakade area with their hands bound with their shoe laces. They managed to get to a nearby garage and alerted police. All police stations that are along the N2 were alerted to be on the lookout for the hijacked vehicle.
A police detective Sergeant from Mount Frere spotted the vehicle as it passed him and he followed it. Back-up was requested and Mthatha Flying Squad joined in the pursuit. As the vehicle entered Mthatha, the suspects started shooting at police who retaliated with the same.
The vehicle was abandoned and one suspect managed to flee while the other sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was found in the vehicle. He was admitted to hospital in a critical condition.
A case of carjacking and attempted murder is under investigation. Police are on the hunt for the outstanding suspect.
Lt Gen Mene applauded the swift reaction of both the detective Sergeant and Mthatha Flying Squad members. “Despite risking their lives on a daily basis, our members remain resolute, dedicated and positive as they serve in the frontline. Police officers must be operationally ready and vigilant at all times as they are vulnerable to attacks from criminal elements. Their dedication and commitment is highly appreciated,” added Lt Gen Mene.
Source: South African Police Service