Members of the Harare Community Policing Forum (CPF) have applauded the police for arresting two suspects involved in an attempted carjacking at section 40 in Harare on Saturday 19 March.
It is reported that the driver of an e-hailing taxi was dropping off a passenger when five armed men started shooting at the car. The passenger was shot dead while the driver managed to escape unharmed. Police who were patrolling in the area heard the gunshots and chased down the suspects.
Harare CPF chair Funeka Soldaat praised the police for a “stunning job”. She said the community is relieved that some suspects were arrested during the attack.
“The police are trying so hard to fight crime in our communities. But, without the help of the community members the fight against crime will never win,” said Soldaat. She described the arrest of the two suspects as a lesson to other criminals. She described car hijackings in Khayelitsha as becoming a “norm” and advised the motorists to remain vigilant.
Capt Frederick Van Wyk, provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the incident.
He said it was around 22:00 when a shootout between Harare police officers and suspects ensued in Makhaza. “It was alleged that an e-hailing taxi was dropping off a passenger in that area when attacked by five armed suspects. The suspects in attempting to hijack the vehicle, shot and killed the passenger and the driver escaped” he said.
He said a quick response by police resulted in the shootout between the officers and the suspects. “Two suspects were wounded during the shootout and are under police guard in hospital. The officers confiscated two pistols on the scene of which the serial numbers were filed off. Both suspects aged 22 and 32 respectively are expected to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court once discharged from hospital,” said Van Wyk. He said the suspects were arrested for murder, attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.