On Thursday morning, a courier driver sustained critical gunshot wounds during a foiled hijack attempt on the N2 near Mandini, KwaZulu-Natal.
The courier vehicle was traveling north and was abruptly halted by a single vehicle containing four armed suspects near the Mandini toll. The suspects opened fire, critically injuring the driver.
Fortunately, an armed escort traveling with the courier vehicle returned fire, injuring one of the suspects. The four attackers fled the scene empty-handed.
IPSS Medical Rescue and IPSS Security swiftly responded to the incident. The critically injured courier driver received on-scene medical care from IPSS Medical Advanced Life Support and was stabilized.
Due to the severity of his injuries, a Netcare medical helicopter was activated to airlift him to an appropriate medical facility for further treatment. The South African Police Service (SAPS) took over the crime scene for further investigation.
Richard Brussow from the National Hijack Prevention Academy highlighted the increasing brazenness and innovation of hijackers. He noted that security measures and driver vigilance must be heightened.
Notably, hijackings often occur outside driveways, accounting for 70% of incidents. Traffic lights, stop signs, and parking areas have also become hotspots. Hijackings often peak on Fridays and weekends, with a noticeable increase in road spike usage.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Three Suspects Arrested Following Robbery Of Courier Vehicles
Drivers must remain vigilant and follow specific safety protocols if confronted by hijackers. ‘Arrive Alive’ advises the following: comply with hijackers’ demands, avoid resistance, surrender your vehicle, and distance yourself quickly.
Do not reach for valuables or make eye contact, which could incite aggression. Maintaining calmness and visible hands will assure hijackers of passive intent and may diffuse the situation.
