| 2024/05/22 |
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – Two male suspects were severely wounded and nabbed in the Waterberg District following a car-hijacking and an attempted murder incident that took place on Monday 20 May 2024 at about 18:00. A 35-year-old male victim reported off duty at a local mine in Notham and departed the premises at about 14:00 driving a white Toyota Corrolla motor vehicle. While driving along the R510 road, the victim gave three unknown males a lift who later hijacked him along the way. The trio drove with the 35-year-old male and headed to the direction of Thabazimbi until they stopped between Thabazimbi and Hoopdal T-junction at about 16:30. The victim was taken to nearby bushes and shot multiple times by the suspects before they fled the scene with his motor vehicle. The victim managed to get assistance from a passing motorist and was later transported to hospital by the members of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) for medical assistance while in critical condition. A case of hijacking and attempted murder was opened and a manhunt for the unknown male suspects was launched for their apprehension. The members of the Provincial Tracking Team, Mokopane Detectives and Private Security were activated and the hijacked motor vehicle was positively spotted driving along the R101 public road outside Modimolle at about 18:00. Police made attempts to stop it but the trio unexpectedly started to open fire and police retaliated until the motor vehicle lost control and knocked down a road sign and damaged a fence of a nearby farm. Two suspects managed to flee and ran into the bushes to evade arrest however, a 23 year-old driver was trapped inside the motor vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds and later taken to hospital for medical attention while under police guard. During the arrest, police found one firearm inside the motor vehicle and the search for his two accomplices continued until a 24-year-old Zimbabwean National was subsequently arrested by the Farm Watch and Community Policing Forum (CPF) members at one of the farms in Modimolle precinct on Tuesday 21 May 2024 at about 06:00. The suspect was handed over to the police with severe gunshot wounds sustained during the shootout and is also admitted in hospital under police guard. The duo are expected to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court in absentia until their recovery in hospital facing a charge of possession of stolen motor vehicle, two counts of attempted murder and possession of prohibited firearm and ammunition. A manhunt of the third suspect is continuing and police request anyone with information that can assist should contact the Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPS App. Police investigations are continuing. Ends
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