Durban - Police shot dead two suspected hijackers in New Germany, outside Durban, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.
On Thursday afternoon, a woman was hijacked at gunpoint and dropped off in Pinetown, Colonel Jay Naicker said.
Around 8pm, police spotted the car in New Germany and ordered the driver to stop. Instead, the occupants opened fire on the police, who shot back.
“The suspects continued to flee until the driver of the hijacked vehicle allegedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall.”
Two of the alleged hijackers were killed in the shoot-out.
Three people got out of the car and tried to flee, but were later arrested.
The three arrested, aged between 18 and 20, would appear in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court soon to face charges of attempted murder, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Two firearms were recovered and would be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes.
Provincial police commissioner Lt-Gen Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended the police officers on the arrests.
“We would like to warn criminals that the police will not hesitate to retaliate when their lives are in danger,” Ngobeni said.
Sapa