Two suspects have been arrested at Lingelethu-West Police Station in Khayelitsha on Thursday 1 October for possession of a hijacked vehicle, stolen property, pointing a firearm and reckless and negligent driving.

Provincial police spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana said a 24-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested by members of the Anti-Hijacking Unit following a car chase that led to the recovery of a hijacked vehicle, two cellphones and an imitation firearm.

“The members spotted a charcoal Hyundai with a flagged registration in Lawulo Road, Khayelitsha and gave chase. The suspect tried to speed away until the members ultimately caught him at Nothobile Street, Khayelitsha.

“A 24-year-old man came out of the vehicle and pointed an imitation firearm at the officers. They retaliated, resulting in him sustaining gunshot wounds to his upper body,” said Mpendukana.

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She said the man was admitted to the nearest hospital for medical treatment and is under police guard.

A 23-year-old woman was also apprehended.

“They were both arrested for possession of a hijacked vehicle, possession of stolen property, pointing of a firearm, as well as reckless and negligent driving,” said Mpendukana.

Both suspects were detained at Lingelethu-West Police Station and will appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court once they have been charged.

A Lingelethu-West Community Policing Forum member, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, confirmed that carjackings and house robberies are common in the area.

He said police officers are “fighting a losing battle”.

“There is a high rate of house robberies in Ilitha Park and carjacking incidents are also common along Spine Road. It is something that has been happening for a while. But we are glad that the culprits have been apprehended. We need more law enforcement officers to be deployed in that vicinity,” he said.