Durban - Two men were caught in the middle of a shoot-out between a security guard and two hijackers who had attempted to steal their vehicle.
The drama unfolded at 6.40am on Tuesday, outside the factory in Henwood Road, New Germany.
A shocked Maganathan “Roger” Moonusamy, 49, who works as a sub-contractor for a company installing slam-lock security gates, described how he and his assistant, Calvin Pillay, had been held at gunpoint by hijackers.
“I parked my Corsa bakkie at the entrance while Calvin went inside to check on our work list for the day.
Sitting in my car I noticed a burgundy Toyota Corolla parked on the roadside with four men inside,” said Moonusamy.
He said two men had walked briskly down the driveway towards his vehicle and before he knew it they had pulled out firearms.
“I just heard two guns being cocked and before I even blinked the men were pointing them at my face.
“They asked me to jump out of the bakkie, otherwise they would kill me. They hadn’t realised that the Proforce Security guard was sitting a few metres to the right in his personal vehicle, watching everything unfold,” said Moonusamy.
He said as he stepped out of the vehicle the security guard intervened. He said the hijackers, caught unaware, turned around and opened fire.
“When the gunfire started I ran for my life into the entrance of the premises. Gunshots were just ringing in my ears. It was like a scene from the movies. The security guard stood his ground and was very brave by retaliating against the two men shooting at him.”
Pillay, who had returned to the vehicle before the gunfire started, stood and watched the crossfire.
He said one of the hijackers ran towards the getaway vehicle, parked at the roadside.
“I froze as the men opened fire on each other. One of the hijackers ran up Henwood Road towards the getaway vehicle while the other guy fell after being shot in the leg,” said Pillay.
“The security guard, who was also shot, came around towards the entrance of the premises with blood pouring from his leg. He asked the hijacker to drop his gun and surrender.”
Police spokesman, Colonel Jay Naicker, confirmed that four suspects were involved.
“Suspects allegedly shot at a security guard and he retaliated. One of the suspects and the guard were shot and taken to hospital for treatment. The suspect is under police guard and a 9mm pistol was recovered from him,” said Naicker.
“Three suspects sped off in their getaway vehicle. A case of attempted murder, attempted car hijacking and possession of a firearm has been opened for investigation. The suspect will appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court soon.”
Proforce Security consultant, Colin Gunston, said the guard, who he declined to give his name, was in a stable condition in hospital and had not been deterred by the events.
“Fortunately it was just a flesh wound for our guy… We must commend him for his brave efforts. He is still very determined to continue in his fight against crime,” he said.
Daily News