Businessman, 48, shot trying to stop hijacking

PORT Elizabeth police are investigating a case of attempted murder and attempted hijacking after a businessman was shot while trying to thwart a hijacking.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the 48-year-old businessman was shot and injured yesterday when he came to the rescue of a courier company driver, who was allegedly being held at gunpoint by four men.

Naidu said it was alleged the driver had parked his vehicle in Govan Mbeki Avenue just after 9am and went on foot to deliver parcels.

Naidu said the driver, 42, and a passenger, 19, went to different customers and as the driver was approaching the vehicle he was accosted by an unknown man who pointed a gun at him and told him to hand over his car keys.

Naidu said three other suspects joined in.

The owner of a nearby shop saw the incident and went to the driver’s aid.

As he shouted at the suspects, three ran away.

Naidu said there had been an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and the shop owner, who was shot twice.

He suffered wounds to his stomach and leg.

The police said it was unclear if any of the suspects sustained any injuries.

The businessman was taken to hospital by private transport.

No belongings were taken.