On Thursday afternoon, an incident occurred at the corner of Clivia and Geranium streets in Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain. Two suspected robbers were shot and killed during an attempted hijacking of a courier vehicle. The disturbing event unfolded as the courier driver was making deliveries in the area.
According to police reports, as the driver reached his destination, four men approached him and pointed a firearm at him.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Three Suspects Arrested Following Robbery Of Courier Vehicles
They threatened the driver, leading to a physical altercation. The robbers managed to seize the driver’s cellphone and bank cards. In a turn of events, the driver drew his own firearm, resulting in the fatal shooting of two of the assailants.
Photographs of the lifeless bodies circulated in crime groups on WhatsApp shortly after the incident. One suspect was found lying on his back in the street, while the other was discovered face down in a nearby field.
Police spokesperson Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that an inquest had been opened, along with cases of attempted carjacking and armed robbery. A fake gun, used by the suspects, was found at the scene and handed in as evidence.
Lentegeur Community Policing Forum (CPF) Chairperson Byron De Villiers highlighted the alarming rise in hijackings in the area. He expressed his condolences for the loss of life but commended the driver for his actions, emphasizing that the driver was merely protecting himself.
De Villiers also clarified that the driver had not been arrested. Meanwhile, Ward Councillor Avron Plaatjies condemned the hijacking attempt and urged the community to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The attempted hijacking and its violent outcome have raised concerns about safety in the Lentegeur area. Authorities are investigating the incident thoroughly, and the community is encouraged to support law enforcement efforts in combatting crime.
