The Police believe the two “notorious” hijackers killed in a shoot-out in KwaMashu could be linked to other recent hijackings
|||Durban - The Police believe the two “notorious” hijackers killed in a shoot-out in KwaMashu could be linked to other recent hijackings.
The pair were gunned down in a chase and exchange of fire involving the SAPS K9 Unit and the Flying Squad.
According to police spokesman Colonel Jay Naicker, who was at the scene while it was being processed on Wednesday, the men’s facial features and the one’s hairstyle fitted descriptions given in other recent hijackings around Durban.
Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said, as part of their strategy to deal with hijackings and other robberies, the K9 Unit and the Flying Squad were positioned along escape routes used by criminals.
A K9 Unit on Inanda Road on Thursday spotted the BMW which was reported to have been hijacked in Springfield Park early that morning.
A chase on to Queen Nandi Drive ensued when the suspects failed to stop and opened fire on the two officers.
Naicker said the men then turned into a residential road where they lost control of the car and crashed into the brick wall of a house in B Section.
“Although the vehicle burst into flames on impact, the suspects immediately got out of the car and continued shooting at police,” he said.
One suspect was fatally shot and the other managed to run off.
“The second suspect was spotted by members of the Flying Squad on Malendela Drive and they approached him.
The suspect opened fire, and the Flying Squad officers returned fire, hitting him.
Naicker said the suspect had died at the scene.
A 9mm pistol was recovered from each suspect.
He said DNA, fibres, fingerprints and other forensic evidence taken from the recovered vehicle would be used to ascertain whether the two men had been involved in other hijackings.
Cases of hijacking and attempted murder are being investigated, and an inquest is being conducted.
Ngobeni said the police “are not intimidated by the brazen conduct of these criminals and will continue to deal with them boldly”. - Daily News