Suspected hijacker killed in Umbilo shootout after e-hailing car hijacking

A suspected hijacker was killed during a shootout with police in Umbilo, Durban, on Wednesday evening after allegedly shooting a BMW owner and taking an e-hailing vehicle at gunpoint.

The incident unfolded across several streets as officers attempted to stop the armed suspect, who allegedly continued firing shots while driving the hijacked vehicle. The pursuit ended when he lost control of the car and crashed into the gate of a nearby residential property.

According to police, the BMW owner was wounded during an attempted hijacking and taken to hospital. No police officers were injured in the exchange of gunfire.

Police encounter suspect on Clark Road

The incident began when officers conducting routine patrols spotted a man firing shots next to a parked BMW on Clark Road.

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers responded to the situation, triggering a shootout between police and the suspect.

The man then fled on foot along Ryde Avenue, where he allegedly hijacked an e-hailing vehicle moments after its driver had dropped off a passenger.

He reportedly drove towards Che Guevara Road while continuing to fire shots, turning the incident into a dangerous situation for anyone in the surrounding area.

Chase ends in residential property crash

Police and Metro Police officers stationed along Che Guevara Road responded as the suspect approached.

Netshiunda said the officers managed to overpower the man during the confrontation. The suspect attempted to escape but lost control of the hijacked vehicle and crashed into the gate of a nearby house.

He was declared dead at the scene.

The BMW owner, who was allegedly shot during the earlier attempted hijacking, was taken to hospital. Police also confirmed that several police vehicles sustained bullet damage during the shootout, although no officers were injured.

Police dismiss claims about injured bystander

Following the incident, reports circulated on social media claiming that a bystander or student had been struck by a stray bullet during the exchange of gunfire.

Netshiunda dismissed these claims as false and malicious.

Police have also cautioned against speculation about the suspect’s identity. His identity had not been established at the time of the police statement, and claims circulating online that he was a foreign national remained unconfirmed.

Authorities said verified information would be released when available.

Investigation continues

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing as officers work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted BMW hijacking, the shooting and the subsequent hijacking of the e-hailing vehicle.

For now, police have confirmed that the suspect died at the scene, the BMW owner was injured and taken to hospital, and no police officers were hurt in the shootout.

Further details about the suspect and the investigation are expected to emerge as authorities verify the available information.

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Source: The Citizen