Dramatic scenes unfolded in Belhar on Monday evening when a suspected hijacker was shot and killed in a shootout with security guards.
The four guards were on their way to their offices at Airport Mall when they were attacked by four armed suspects.
According to the police, a Ford Kuga lightly bumped into the right fender of the unmarked white Nissan NP200 bakkie, with the intention of hijacking it.
As the officers got out of the bakkie to inspect the damage, the suspects started klapping skote at them.
One security guard retaliated, killing one of the thugs, and the rest of the skelms jumped back into the Ford and sped off.
SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi explains: “We can confirm that Belhar Police attended a crime scene on Monday at about 6.45pm on Belhar Drive.”
“According to reports, four security workers were on their way to their offices when the driver of another vehicle bumped into them.
“As they stopped to assess the damage, four unknown males started firing gunshots which led to an exchange of gunfire between the suspects and the security personnel.
“One of the suspects was fatally wounded and declared deceased on the scene.
“The unknown suspects fled the scene in a Ford Kuga and are yet to be arrested.”
He said police are investigating an inquest after the fatal shooting.
“Belhar Police registered an inquest, attempted murder and attempted hijacking cases for further investigation.
“Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
When the Daily Voice arrived at the scene, the dead suspect was lying next to the bullet-riddled white bakkie.
Police had placed more than 35 cones which indicate the number of the rounds spent during the incident.
Belhar Ward Councillor Delmaine Cottee urged people with information about the incident to come forward.
“Our concern is that both the lives of the security guards and bystanders were at risk because at that time that particular site was quite busy with people moving in and out of Belhar and some going to the mall,” Cottee says.
“I hope the security guards will receive trauma counselling after what happened.”
The security company could not be reached for comment yesterday.
mandilakhe.tshwete@inl.co.za