Suspect Arrested Over Viral Pinetown Hijacking

KwaZulu-Natal detectives have apprehended a 35-year-old man in KwaDabeka following an attempted hijacking in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal which gained global attention via viral dashcam footage.

The confrontation occurred on Friday, 9 October, as a father reversed out of his driveway accompanied by his two children. An encroaching vehicle blocked their route, and armed assailants ambushed the family. As KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Paul Magwaza explained:

“One of the suspects allegedly started firing shots towards the father, who returned fire and fatally wounded one suspect.”

The father retaliated from within his vehicle whilst protecting his daughter, enabling his son to pull her to safety as the bakkie collided with a tree. Authorities have confirmed the father faces no criminal charges.

During the arrest on Sunday, 25 October, officers confiscated an unlicensed firearm along with 14 rounds of ammunition. The suspect has been charged with attempted murder, attempted carjacking, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

He is scheduled to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 October.

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