Family Gathering Turns Tragic: 22-Year-Old Hijacked, Relatives Shot
Chatsworth, Durban– What should have been a joyous family gathering took a horrifying turn on Monday evening when a 22-year-old woman was violently hijacked outside her aunt’s home. The incident unfolded just after 7 p.m., leaving two relatives injured and the community in shock.
The Nightmare Unfolds
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim’s family, visiting from the Newlands area, had been at the house for only a few minutes. The 22-year-old woman went to move her mother’s van from a neighbor’s driveway to another property. It was then that three armed men approached her, demanding the van keys. As she bravely resisted, her mother and brother’s son-in-law rushed to her aid.
Gunfire Erupts
The suspects, undeterred, ran back to the van and opened fire. The 22-year-old’s mother was shot in the abdomen, and her brother’s son-in-law sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. Thankfully, the young woman herself escaped physical harm but is deeply traumatized by the harrowing experience.
Recovery and Investigation
Both injured family members were rushed to a private hospital, where they underwent surgery. The van, equipped with a tracking device, was later located in uMlazi, but it remains unrecovered. The Chatsworth SAPS is actively investigating the case, treating it as both attempted murder and carjacking.
Community Outrage and Calls for Action
Local residents are expressing outrage and fear over the escalating violence in Chatsworth. The incident serves as a stark reminder that no one is immune to crime, even within the confines of their own neighborhood.
Spate of Hijackings Across Durban Suburbs
Durban– In a chilling series of events, five hijackings occurred within a few hours across various Durban suburbs. According to Ethekwini Secure, a volunteer crime-fighting group, the targeted areas included Overport, Manor Gardens, Newlands West, Bayview, and Chatsworth.
A Night of Terror
Residents are living in fear as these brazen criminals strike with impunity. The surge in hijackings has left families traumatized and communities demanding urgent action from law enforcement.
Pinetown Tops the List for Hijackings
Durban– Pinetown, a suburb in KwaZulu-Natal, has earned the dubious distinction of recording the highest number of hijackings in the region. The latest crime statistics reveal that Pinetown SAPS is grappling with this alarming trend, while Chatsworth faces its own battle against car theft.
Stay Vigilant
As hijackings continue to plague our neighborhoods, vigilance and community cooperation are crucial. Authorities must step up efforts to curb this menace and restore safety to our streets.
