Mitchells Plain man fights off hijackers after being shot

A licensed gun-owner escaped with his life after being shot in the neck during a brazen attack by apparent hijackers and managed to drive himself to hospital. The 47-year-old man had fought back, firing shots at his attackers.

The drama unfolded on Friday in Westridge, Mitchells Plain.

Police have yet to confirm whether the incident was linked to an apparent hijacking.

According to police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the incident occurred at about 10.18pm on January 9 in Sayed Abdul Samad Road.

Gwala said a 47-year-old man was searching for a friend in the area when he stopped at a house to ask for directions after becoming unsure of the address. He was directed to another address a few houses away.

“As the man was returning to his vehicle, gunshots were fired in his direction,” Gwala said.

The victim reportedly drew his licensed firearm and fired back. He sustained gunshot wounds to the left side of his neck but managed to drive himself to a nearby medical facility, where he received medical treatment.

No arrests have been made and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.

According to the latest police crime statistics, Mitchells Plain recorded 60 attempted murder cases during the July to September last year reporting period — the highest number in the province and a 53.8% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

Police data shows that firearms were used in more than two-thirds of attempted murder cases across the Western Cape, while over 60% of such incidents took place in public spaces, including streets and parking areas. 

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