Chaos erupted in Pinetown this afternoon after a truck driver, reportedly involved in a dispute with his employer, stole a heavy-duty vehicle and went on a destructive rampage, ramming into several cars, a pedestrian, and even a police vehicle during a high-speed chase.
The suspect, a Malawian national, was allegedly behind the wheel of the stolen truck when the incident began. Police say the man drove recklessly through several areas before colliding head-on with a South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicle on Underwood Road.
Officers from the Umlazi K9 Unit were among those in pursuit. According to police, members were forced to open fire on the truck in an effort to stop the suspect, ultimately wounding him. The vehicle was later found riddled with bullet holes and badly damaged from multiple crashes.
ALS Paramedics Medical Services responded to the chaotic scene. Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said paramedics arrived to find the road cordoned off by police and multiple damaged vehicles—some from gunfire, others from collisions.
“The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and was stabilised on scene by advanced life support paramedics before being transported to hospital under police guard,” Jamieson confirmed.
Among those caught in the mayhem was a family travelling home. Five occupants of their vehicle sustained minor to moderate injuries and were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital for further care.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the charges the suspect will face but say investigations are ongoing.
WARNING: Footage of the incident contains graphic content and may be disturbing to some viewers.