WALKING head-on into a hail of bullets, an Empangeni man calmly drew his pistol and returned fire, sending three would-be hijackers running for their lives.
Sean King, co-owner of Guns Inc and indoor shooting range and firearm retailer in Empangeni, says he had no choice but to act when he saw a family in trouble.
The dramatic events played out in Richard Gordon Drive on Thursday evening.
This after three men attempted to hijack a well-known couple, Jacques and Rhone Fourie, 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 Jacques was shot through the right foot.
Tracey Coertse of Meditrax EMS confirmed she treated and transported him to Ngwelezana Hospital in a stable condition.
Fortunately for the family, King, who is an expert marksman, happened to be driving by at the time, on his way home.
Noticing the commotion, he acted quickly to rescue the family.
As he approached the vehicle which was by then occupied by the hijackers who were apparently having some trouble getting the automatic Hilux moving, at least one of the suspects opened fire.
‘The next thing I knew they were shooting at me. I tried to find some cover, but I was in the middle of the street.’
With bullets ricocheting off the tarmac metres in front of him, King drew his firearm and returned fire, expertly placing at least 10 shots into the passenger door.
The suspects quickly abandoned the vehicle, but to add to the drama, the driver lost control of the heavy double-cab, sending it rolling down an embankment and into the 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 family’s aid after hearing their shouts, were forced to retreat when the shots rang out.
An emotional Rhona thanked King for his bravery, whose actions very likely saved the small children from a terrible fate.
Jacques, who suffered a fractured ankle as a result of the gunshot, was discharged from hospital on Friday and is recovering at home.
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