KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with an attempted hijacking in Lea Place, Pinetown, west of Durban, earlier this month.
The suspect was arrested in KwaDabeka on Sunday following an investigation by Pinetown detectives. Police say he was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition.
The incident occurred on 9 October when a father and his two children were reversing out of their driveway.
Police allege that a group of suspects arrived in a white vehicle and opened fire on the family. The father reportedly returned fire, fatally wounding one of the alleged attackers, while sustaining three gunshot wounds to his knee.
Dashcam footage of the incident has since circulated widely on social media. The video appears to show the father shielding his daughter, who was seated in the front passenger seat, before opening fire on the suspects.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Paul Magwaza says further investigations led detectives to KwaDabeka, where the 35-year-old was arrested.
The suspect faces charges of attempted carjacking, three counts of attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
He is expected to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
Meanwhile, the Pinetown Community Police Forum (CPF) has urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly when approaching their homes or moving through public spaces.
CPF chairperson Justin Bosse has encouraged community members to report suspicious activities to the police and avoid putting themselves at risk when confronted by criminals.
Bosse says criminals often target people when they are distracted or least expect an attack.
He has also called for increased police patrols in the area following the incident, saying the CPF can put pressure on the South African Police Service to strengthen visible policing.
Although the father’s children were not physically injured, Bosse says they were left traumatised by the ordeal.