On Saturday, 6 February 2016, Mariannhill police with the help of the Tracking Company arrested a 25-year-old male at Tshelimnyama after a shootout with four men. The suspect will appear in the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court soon.
The arrest follows the incident that occurred on Friday, 5 February 2016 at about 19:20 where a male was allegedly hijacked of his Hyundai i10 near the hospital by three unknown gunmen who shot him on the leg and fled. He was taken to hospital for medical attention. A case of car hijacking and attempted murder was opened at Amanzimtoti police station for investigation.
The next day, police and the tracking company recovered the hijacked vehicle with four occupants at Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill. Suspects fired shots at the members and a shootout ensued. One suspect was injured and the others fled on foot. He was then arrested and a firearm was recovered. He was taken to hospital for medical attention under police guard. He will be charged for attempted murder, possession of unlicenced firearm and will also be linked to the Amanzimtoti hijacking.
The recovered firearm will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if it was used in the Friday shooting or any other crime.
Today (08 February 2016), MEC Mchunu welcomed the arrest and applauded police.
“I welcome this swift reaction by the police. I urge the community to come forward with the information and assist the police in the arrest of the other three suspects.”
“This good partnership between SAPS and a private company needs to be strengthen because it yields good results. Let us together claim our space from criminals”, says Mchunu.