RICHARD Gordon Drive in Empangeni was the scene of an explosive shoot-out early on Thursday evening.
This after three men attempted to hijack a well-known couple as they arrived home in their Toyota Hilux at around 7pm.
The couple had their two young children and another adult female in the car at the time the suspects struck, and in the ensuing tussle the husband was shot through the left foot.
Tracey Coertse of Meditrax EMS confirmed she treated and transported him to Ngwelezana Hospital in a stable condition.
Fortunately for the family, and unfortunately for the hijackers, an expert marksman happened to be driving by at the time on his way home and upon noticing the commotion, acted quickly to rescue them.
As he approached the vehicle, which was now occupied by the hijackers who were apparently having some trouble getting the automatic Hilux moving, at least one of the suspects opened fire.
With bullets ricocheting off the tarmac metres in front of him, he drew his firearm and returned fire, expertly placing at least 10 shots into the passenger side door.
The suspects quickly abandoned the vehicle, but to add to the drama, the now driver lost control of the heavy double-cab, sending it rolling down an embankment and into the victim’s front yard.
A trail of blood leading up the steps has led police on the scene to suspect the man was seriously wounded by at least one of the shots that tore through the vehicle.
Neighbours who also rushed to the familys’ aid after hearing their shouts, were forced to retreat when the shots rang out.
Read the full story in Monday’s Zululand Observer.
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