Durban Father and Son Wounded in Chatsworth Armed Hijacking

In a shocking development that rattled the Chatsworth community, a father and his son were ruthlessly shot and injured during a brazen armed hijacking late Monday night. This violent encounter has thrown a spotlight on the ongoing struggle against crime in Durban’s suburban areas.

South African Police Service (SAPS) officials immediately launched an investigation into the dual offences of hijacking and attempted murder, as confirmed by KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda. The incident, which unfolded along Florence Nightingale Drive – a street that will now be etched with the memory of this harrowing event – saw the assailants forcing their way into a private residence with the intention of theft and leaving behind a trail of chaos and terror.

Netshiunda's detailed account paints a startling picture. The father and son were ambushed in their own garage by two assailants who had boldly leaped over the perimeter wall. In their aggressive quest for the vehicle keys, gunshots rang through the air resulting in physical harm to both the father and son. In an even more alarming revelation, two additional suspects were positioned outside, waiting in a white VW Polo without license plates, complicit in the crime.

Amawele Emergency Service's Sivan Subramodey recounted receiving numerous calls that night, signaling the urgency of the situation in the Westcliffe region of Chatsworth. It was here that the family's peaceful evening turned into a nightmare. As the son entered his home, unexpected violence erupted. His attempt at resistance was met with a bullet wound to his leg. The father, drawn by the commotion, was the next to bear the consequences, suffering a gunshot wound to his arm.

The sequence of events leading to the hijacking resonates with a community besieged by such criminal acts. The suspects' successful acquisition of the vehicle and escape from the scene further underscore the audacity and preparedness of modern-day hijackers, adding to the unease among Chatsworth residents.

Despite the swift private transport of the victims to hospital care, the incident is a stark reminder of the impacts of armed hijackings, not only on the victims but also on the psyche of the community at large. As the SAPS delve deeper into their investigation, the public eye turns to them in anticipation of justice and a renewed sense of safety on their streets.