Driver shoots three would-be hijackers

THREE men posing as hitch-hikers who allegedly attempted to hijack a man giving them a lift in a double-cab on the N2 were all shot in the back seat of his bakkie.

Police spokesman, Captain Jackson Manatha said the three, all injured, managed to flee but one alleged suspect died, another was found wounded, and a third is still missing.

He said a 33-year-old man was arrested by police following the attempted hijacking Wednesday.

“It is alleged that three suspects stopped the bakkie pretending to be hitch hiking,” Manatha said.

“The 33-year-old driver stopped and offered them a lift, but all of them insisted on sitting on the back seat of his double-cab.

“Once inside, one of the suspects [allegedly] drew a firearm and pointed it at the owner.

“The driver pretended to be surrendering and withdrew his licensed firearm and shot the three hijackers. near Butterworth on They jumped out and ran towards the bush,” said Manatha.

He said the driver reported the incident to the police and has been formally charged with murder and attempted murder. He is expected to appear in court shortly.

Manatha said one suspect was found injured in the bush and taken to hospital.

“It is reported that the injured suspect is a wanted suspect for a house robbery case,” said Manatha.

Another suspect was found dead in the forest.

“The other suspect is still on the run and the East London K9 Unit and Butterworth police have resumed looking for the suspect in the forest,” said Manatha.

The injured suspect is expected to appear in Butterworth Magistrate’s Court after his released from hospital.

“A stern warning is issued to all drivers who are tempted to offer hitchhikers lift on road sides to think twice before doing so,” said Brigadier Trevor Mey, Butterworth cluster commander. —