WESTERN CAPE — A suspected couple is facing multiple serious charges following a dramatic Khayelitsha car hijacking arrest after a high-speed police pursuit ended in an exchange of gunfire.
Members of the Anti-Hijacking Unit initiated the pursuit after spotting a charcoal Hyundai with a flagged registration on Lawulo Road. According to a police spokesperson, the suspects attempted to evade capture by speeding away, leading officers on a chase through the area before ultimately cornering the vehicle on Nothobile Street.
The situation escalated when the vehicle came to a halt. A 24-year-old male suspect exited the car and allegedly pointed an imitation firearm directly at the responding officers. The police returned fire, striking the man in his upper body. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment and remains admitted under strict police guard.
A 23-year-old female passenger, who was in the vehicle at the time of the apprehension, was also taken into custody without incident.
Following the incident, authorities recovered the hijacked vehicle along with two cellular telephones and the imitation firearm.
A police spokesperson confirmed that both suspects have been formally arrested. They are facing a slate of charges, including possession of a hijacked vehicle, possession of stolen property, pointing of a firearm, and reckless and negligent driving.
The couple is currently being detained at the Lingelethu West SAPS station. They are scheduled to appear at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court once formal charges have been finalized.
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