A truck driver has been rescued following a hijacking and kidnapping on the R68 road between Dundee and Nquthu in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Police say the driver and his assistant were ambushed on Thursday afternoon by armed suspects travelling in a red sedan. The attackers reportedly opened fire before forcing the driver into their vehicle.
According to Robert Netshiunda, the assistant managed to escape during the attack.
“One of the suspects drove the truck for about a kilometre before abandoning it on the side of the road,” Netshiunda said.
Shortly after the incident, the truck’s owner alerted police and reported that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of R100,000 for the victim’s release.
A coordinated police operation led to the rescue of the driver in Glencoe, where one suspect, a 57-year-old man, was arrested. The vehicle used in the crime was also recovered.
Authorities say a manhunt is underway for the remaining suspect, who remains at large.
In a separate incident, KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed that two suspects were shot dead during a confrontation with officers in Durban’s Sydenham on Thursday afternoon.
Police say officers observed a group of three suspects robbing a man in Burnwood Road when they intervened.
“The suspects attempted to flee in a white vehicle, which collided with a minibus taxi before being abandoned,” said Netshiunda.
A shootout ensued, during which two suspects were fatally wounded and a third was arrested. The arrested suspect is expected to face charges of armed robbery and attempted murder.
Police confirmed that no officers were injured during the operation.