Mariannhill - 25-year-old hijacking suspect is in hospital under police guard after he was arrested following a shootout with police officers in Tshelimnyama in Mariannhill at the weekend, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Monday.
Police spokesman Thulani Zwane said the man is believed to be part of a group of four men who hijacked a man and shot him in the leg in Amanzimtoti on Friday night.
Zwane said police, with the help of a car tracking company, traced the vehicle with four occupants inside to Tshelimnyama.
“Suspects fired shots at the members and the shootout ensued. One suspect was injured and others fled on foot. He was then arrested and a firearm was recovered,” said Zwane.
“He was taken to hospital for medical attention under police guard. He will be charged for attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm will also be linked to Amanzimtoti hijacking.”
The firearm would be sent for ballistic testing to check whether it was used in Friday’s hijacking or whether it was used in the commission of any other crimes.
African News Agency