Driver killed, car hijacked at airport
Passengers robbed, abandoned unharmed in Kempton Park
ONE MAN man was killed and a car hijacked in the vicinity of OR Tambo International Airport on Monday. National police spokesperson Major General Sally de Beer said around 4.30pm, a man driving a Hyundai H1 was shot dead by a group of men while he was driving towards the airport.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the driver of the Hyundai H1 was transporting a group of six business people from Johannesburg to the airport.
“En route, at least one vehicle attempted to flag them down. The driver of the Hyundai H1 continued towards the airport.
“Reportedly, as he took the off-ramp from the highway to the airport, the vehicle was blocked by two others, one was a black VW Golf. The driver was shot and killed.
“The suspects drove off in the H1 with the passengers. They were abandoned by the suspects in Rhodesfield, Kempton Park, after being robbed of some of their belongings including cellphones. None of the passengers was injured, according to initial reports.”
De Beer said members of the SAPS were still processing the crime scene and interviewing victims and witnesses at 8.40pm.
She said the police were concerned about the “arrogance displayed by the perpetrators” and said that they would ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted, leading to the arrest and prosecution of those involved.
Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane said the motive of the crime was unknown.
“The SAPS will thoroughly investigate this heinous and violent crime committed close to a national key point, OR Tambo International Airport,” Phahlane said.
“We would not at this stage want to speculate on the motive for the crime. Once we have further facts at our disposal gathered from the crime scene, victims, witnesses and other relevant evidence, we will be in a position to make further details available.”
Earlier, OR Tambo International Airport confirmed an incident. “OR Tambo International Airport Management was this afternoon made aware of this very unfortunate and deeply concerning matter,” the airport said in a statement.
“The incident took place off the R24, along Ring Road, which leads to the airport’s arrivals and departures roadway. Law enforcement is currently on site, investigating the crime scene.”
A video was circulating on Monday of a man who filmed the incident.
The video shows a man lying in the middle of the road. As the man who shot the video approaches a man and woman in another car, the woman screams and the man explains that men with guns approached a car.
WE WOULD NOT AT THIS STAGE WANT TO SPECULATE ON THE MOTIVE FOR THE CRIME