Alexandria - Four hijackers have been arrested after they opened fire on police who were chasing them in Alexandria, Eastern Cape police said on Sunday.
“In the early hours of this morning, members of the Alexandria SAPS received information about a vehicle that had been possibly hijacked at Paterson,” said police spokeswoman Captain Mali Govender.
She said an off-duty police officer began following a Toyota Tazz with five men in it, that was believed to be the stolen vehicle.
Three constables on duty then also came upon the vehicle.
“As the vehicle approached Alexandria, three constables who were on duty tried to stop the vehicle... The occupants opened fire and started to shoot at them.”
The police returned fire and injured one man.
This man was detained and is currently in hospital under police guard.
“Shortly thereafter, another three suspects were arrested on the R72 by a team consisting of the off duty police officer, members of the Alexandria SAPS, and a member of the Port Alfred K9.”
A pistol and ammunition was seized and the vehicle recovered.
The men, aged between 27 and 36, will appear in court shortly and face charges of attempted murder, hijacking and possession of a suspected stolen car.
Sapa