A suspected vehicle hijacker was fatally wounded during a police operation in Soshanguve on Thursday afternoon, while a hijacked vehicle was successfully recovered.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Tshwane District, the incident followed the hijacking of a Toyota Avanza at a shopping centre in Block GG, Soshanguve, at approximately 15:15.
Police said a 44-year-old man was parking his company vehicle when he was approached by two unidentified men. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a firearm and allegedly threatened the complainant before the pair fled the scene in the vehicle.
Following the hijacking, SAPS members from Rietgat worked alongside a vehicle tracking company to locate the stolen vehicle. At around 15:45, police received a tracking signal indicating the vehicle’s location and proceeded to the area.
The vehicle was spotted in Thaba Nkwe Street, Block MM, Soshanguve. Police tactically approached the stationary Toyota Avanza, but the driver reportedly moved the vehicle into a parking area at a nearby internet café.
Police positioned their patrol vehicle behind the hijacked vehicle in an attempt to prevent the suspects from escaping. The passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot, evading arrest.
The driver allegedly reversed into the police vehicle before abandoning the Toyota Avanza and fleeing on foot. SAPS said the suspect pointed a firearm at pursuing officers, prompting them to discharge their service firearms.
The suspect was struck during the confrontation and collapsed approximately 50 metres from the vehicle. Police members recovered a 9mm pistol loaded with ammunition from his possession and secured the firearm as evidence.
Emergency Medical Services were called to the scene and declared the suspect dead on arrival.
The recovered firearm will undergo forensic examination to determine whether it may have been linked to other criminal cases.
No police officers were injured during the incident, and the hijacked Toyota Avanza was successfully recovered.
Police have opened a hijacking case and an inquest docket for investigation. Efforts are continuing to trace and arrest the second suspect, who remains at large.
Tshwane District Commissioner Major-General Samuel Thine commended the SAPS members involved for their swift response and efforts that led to the recovery of the hijacked vehicle.
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