Durban — A pregnant woman was struck in the stomach by hammer-wielding suspects during a hijacking in the Pinetown area on Tuesday.
However, a quick response from law enforcement resulted in the arrest of two suspects.
Marshall Security managing director Tyron Powell said that on Tuesday around 7.05pm, while on routine patrol on Malcolm Road in Westmead, Marshall Security’s Greater Westmead Association (GWA) tactical officers and armed response officers spotted a man calling for help from the back of a moving Hyundai H100 delivery vehicle.
“Acting without hesitation, our teams immediately pursued the vehicle and contacted Pinetown SAPS for urgent assistance,” Powell said.
“The vehicle was intercepted shortly thereafter together with the assistance of the Pinetown SAPS at the intersection of Westmead Road and Albert Road, where two suspects attempted to flee on foot. However, their escape was no match for the swift response of our teams. After a brief foot chase, both suspects were apprehended.”
Powell said further investigation revealed the man in the back of the vehicle and his friends had been hijacked on Malcolm Road outside a well-known service station.
“The hijackers, armed with a hammer, violently attacked one of the victims - an expectant mother - striking her abdomen during the incident.”
Powell said the scene was quickly secured due to the co-ordinated efforts of Marshall Security and Pinetown police.
“These incidents highlight the unwavering commitment of the Greater Westmead Association, Marshall Security, and Pinetown SAPS to community safety. We commend our officers for their vigilance and quick response, ensuring that we stop crime in its tracks, resulting in a safe and secure community,” Powell said.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that police in Pinetown arrested two suspects, aged 25 and 28, for carjacking after two victims were allegedly robbed by the suspects at a truck stop on Westmead Road on Tuesday. The suspects fled with a truck and were later arrested.
Ngcobo said the suspects were expected to appear in court yesterday.
WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.
Daily News