A suspect who allegedly took part in a vehicle hijacking was found dead with a bullet wound next to the vehicle he and his accomplices hijacked.
A 24-year-old Somali man was travelling from Acornhoek to Hoedspruit on Wednesday morning with a woman he had allegedly offered a ride. It is alleged that the driver stopped to offer a lift to another man wearing a reflector jacket similar to those worn by traffic officials. Two more men appeared and also got into the car. Soon after taking off one of the men allegedly produced a firearm and hit the driver on the head.
The other two men joined in assaulting the driver and threw him out of the vehicle without his shirt. The driver alleges that the suspects drove off with the woman but also threw her out of the vehicle. At approximately 12h00 today, the hijacked vehicle was found abandoned in Matumi area, just outside Hoedspruit.
Upon arrival the police discovered a body lying dead with a bullet wound on his stomach. The body was allegedly covered with the shirt of the hijacked driver.
A manhunt for the suspects is underway and anyone with information is urged to assist the police by either contacting Investigating Officer Captain David Hlatshwayo on 083 5623 923, or make use of the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Information provided will be treated as confidential.
For enquiries please:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
