DURBAN – A man accused of being part of a brazen carjacking attempt that ended in a deadly shootout outside a Pinetown home has made his first court appearance.

Snenhlanhla Myeza (35) appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on 27 October, facing charges of attempted carjacking, three counts of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The court remanded him in custody until 3 November while police continue their investigation.

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that Myeza was arrested in KwaDabeka on 25 October. Officers found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition.

Warzone outside family home

The charges stem from a violent incident on 9 October when Sidney Hill (53) and his two children came under fire as they reversed out of their driveway in Lea Place, Pinetown. The family had moved into the property just four days earlier.

Hill, an operations manager with a background in safety and security, was driving his Toyota Hilux with his daughter when five suspects in a Renault Kiger blocked their exit and opened fire. Hill immediately returned fire while shielding his daughter.

27 shots in 14 seconds

The gunfight lasted just 14 seconds, but 27 shots rang out. One suspect was struck in the head and died at the scene. The remaining four suspects fled.

A neighbour described the scene as “like a warzone with bullet after bullet.”

The entire incident was captured on dashcam footage, which later went viral on social media.

Investigation continues

Police have opened an inquest docket into the death of the suspect who was killed during the shootout. Investigators are continuing their search for the four remaining suspects who fled the scene.

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