Armed hijackers pounced on a truck along the N12 in Gauteng on Monday morning before they engaged in a shootout with security guards that left two suspects dead.
The deadly violence began with an attempt to hijack a truck on the N12 Road off-ramp, in Etwatwa, near Sundra around 9.30 am.
The office of the SA Police Service Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga said the fleeing hijackers fatally ran over a cyclist, near Sundra.
Narrating the violent drama that unfolded, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said two people were travelling on the N12 Road, heading to Witbank (now Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga) “after purchasing some goods from Springs”.
Brigadier Mohlala added: “They were pulled over by a silver Toyota Corolla with four suspects who attempted to hijack them”.
Security guards who were nearby saw the commostion and intervened.
“Fortunately private security guards that were patrolling noticed this drama that was unfolding and attended to the scene,” said Brigadier Mohlala.
“On arrival a shootout ensued between the securities and the suspects whereby two suspects were reportedly shot and killed.
“Two unlicensed firearms were recovered.”
Two suspects fled the scene in a car chased by the security guards.
They headed towards Katboschfontein Road in Sundra.
“It is further said that the suspects bumped a cyclist near Sundra as they were fleeing to evade arrest,” said Brigadier Mohlala.
“Unfortunately the cyclist who sustained some injuries, succumbed.
“After crashing, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot… they disappeared in the nearby bushes.”
The abandoned car was later found to have been stolen.
Brigadier Mohlala said preliminary investigations revealed that the Toyota Corolla was reported stolen earlier this year in February 2022 in Kempton Park, Gauteng.
“It was fitted with false number plates,” said Brigadier Mohlala.
“The deceased has not yet been identified.”
Both victims of the attempted hijack were said to be Pakistan nationals.
Police urge anyone with information that may assist in arresting the suspects that are still at large to contact Detective Captain Linky Olckers at 0823700921 or the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.
Members of the public can also send information via MYSAPSAPP.
All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.