Glenwood hijacking shootout leaves suspect dead and vehicle owner wounded

A suspected hijacker was killed in a shootout with police in Glenwood, Durban, on Wednesday night after allegedly shooting a vehicle owner and hijacking an e-hailing car while attempting to escape.

According to police, officers were conducting routine patrols when they spotted a man firing shots next to a BMW parked on Clark Road.

SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers responded to the scene, triggering an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspect.

The man allegedly fled on foot towards Ryde Avenue before hijacking an e-hailing vehicle that had just dropped off a passenger.

Suspect allegedly hijacked e-hailing vehicle

Netshiunda said the suspect drove towards Che Guevara Road while continuing to fire shots.

Police and Metro Police officers stationed along the road responded, using several vehicles to manoeuvre around the fleeing suspect.

The man eventually lost control of the hijacked vehicle and crashed into the gate of a nearby house while attempting to escape.

He was declared dead at the scene.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly shot and wounded the owner of the BMW he had attempted to hijack on Clark Road.

The injured vehicle owner is recovering in a Durban hospital.

Police dismiss reports of bystander being shot

Police have rejected social media reports claiming that a bystander or student was struck by a stray bullet during the shootout.

Netshiunda described the claims as false and malicious, adding that the suspect’s identity had not yet been established.

He also cautioned against online speculation about the man’s nationality, saying such claims were premature and unconfirmed.

Although several police vehicles sustained bullet damage during the exchange, no police officers were injured.

Police said verified information would be released as it becomes available.

Security company reports attempted hijacking

Private security company Homeland Security, which patrols parts of Umbilo, also reported an alleged attempted hijacking on Clark Road involving a white Hyundai i20.

The company said the suspects allegedly fled towards Umbilo Road, where they encountered a SAPS team stationed on Che Guevara Road.

Police investigations into the incident are continuing, with the suspect’s identity still unknown at the time of reporting.