Supplied
A 55-year-old man was killed during the hijacking of a truck in Kleinskool in Port Elizabeth on Monday afternoon.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the drama unfolded at around 12.30 when a detective from the NMB Detective Trio Task Team was driving in Soudien Road and noticed the truck being hijacked in his rear-view mirror.
She said at the same time that the driver was being forced out of the vehicle, 55-year-old Tobela Mandula, who worked at a scrap metal dealer, was fatally wounded by the hijackers.
Naidu said the policeman immediately made a u-turn and chased after the hijacked truck, which was being followed by a vehicle with three occupants.
She said at some point the men in the car noticed that they were being followed and turned off, doubling back to sandwich the police officer between the two vehicles.
“The suspects fired shots at the police vehicle. No injuries were sustained.”
Naidu said members of the PE K9 Unit, Kwazakhele Vispol Task Team members, PE Flying Squad, and members of the Public Order Policing joined in the pursuit.
The vehicle was eventually intercepted in Old Grahamstown Road where three men were arrested. The two suspects in the hijacked truck fled into the bushes but with the help of the police dog, Max, are also in custody.
Naidu said two firearms were seized and the hijacked truck with its cargo of cooldrinks valued at almost R80 000 was also recovered.
Police are investigating cases of murder, the attempted murder of the police officer, the possession of a hijacked vehicle, and the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
“The suspects aged between, 29 and 40, are expected to appear in court soon,” she said.
