TRT members received information about a vehicle (Toyota single cab bakkie) that was hijacked at Elliotdale. The vehicle owner was reportedly fatally shot.

The swift response by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) members has led to a recovery of hijacked vehicle in Mnyamazana location in Zazulwana Administrative area outside Butterworth on Sunday, 11 February 2024.

TRT members received information about a vehicle (Toyota single cab bakkie) that was hijacked at Elliotdale. The vehicle owner was reportedly fatally shot. It was later reported that the hijacked vehicle spotted driving along the N2 direction Butterworth and a back-up team was activated. The team members responded and spotted the vehicle on the N2 next to Tanga area in Butterworth and Police gave chase and tried to stop the vehicle. The driver sped off upon noticing that a marked police vehicle is following him.

While Police were chasing the hijacked vehicle, the driver stopped and quickly ran through thick bushes while firing shots towards the police returned fire. A 17-year-old suspect, allegedly from Elliotdale, was shot during the shootout with Police and died on the scene. On investigation Police recovered an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and two magazines on the scene.

A case of Murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition and hijacked vehicle, inquest and attempted murder has been opened for investigation