A driver has been rushed to hospital in a critical condition following an attempted hijacking on the N2, in KwaZulu-Natal on Monday morning.
Emergency services attended to the scene, on the N2 just after Ballito on the province’s north coast just before 8am.
Medi Response KZN’s Kimberly Liell-Cock said reports from the scene indicated that the motorist was travelling along the highway when another vehicle drove up alongside it and occupants allegedly opened fire.
“The single occupant sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body. His vehicle then crashed into another vehicle before coming to a stop at the side of the road,” she said.
The man was treated and stabilised at the scene before being rushed to a local hospital for further care.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, said Umhlali SAPS is investigating a case of attempted murder after a 46-year-old man was allegedly shot and wounded.
“It is alleged that the victim was shot by unknown suspects while he was driving along the N2 freeway. He sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for medical attention,” she said.
Liell-Cock added that traffic on the highway was severely affected and traffic was diverted while police and other roleplayers conducted the necessary investigations.
Meanwhile, a female pedestrian was injured by a vehicle travelling in the emergency lane on the N2, southbound.
Samantha Meyrick of IPSS added that the patient was treated at the scene for serious injuries.
“A reminder that the emergency lane is for the use of emergency services and first responders. Especially when there is an active crime scene,” Meyrick said.
The article has been updated to include KZN police comment.
IOL