A 35-year-old man has been arrested following a deadly attempted hijacking in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, where a father opened fire on alleged hijackers while his two children were nearby.
The incident, which took place on 9 October 2026, was captured on dashcam footage that has since circulated widely on social media.
According to IOL, police confirmed that one alleged hijacker was fatally wounded during the shooting.
Suspect arrested following police investigation
KwaZulu-Natal police arrested the 35-year-old suspect in KwaDabeka on Sunday, 25 October, following an investigation into the attempted hijacking.
Police spokesperson Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that the suspect faces charges of attempted carjacking, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Officers allegedly recovered an unlicensed firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition during the arrest.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 October.
Father opens fire during attempted hijacking
Police said the incident began when a father and his two children were leaving their driveway in a bakkie.
A vehicle carrying unknown suspects reportedly stopped behind them before the occupants approached the family.
According to Magwaza, one suspect allegedly fired shots towards the father, who responded by shooting back.
The father fatally wounded one of the alleged attackers during the exchange of gunfire.
The viral footage shows the father behind the wheel of his bakkie, with his daughter sitting in the passenger seat.
A boy, believed to be his son, can be seen standing near the gate as another vehicle approaches.
According to a source cited by IOL, one alleged hijacker threatened the boy with a firearm while another opened fire on the driver.
The father is then seen firing his weapon through the driver’s window as the bakkie rolls forward and comes to a stop against a tree.
The footage also shows the boy approaching the vehicle and helping his sister out of the passenger seat while the shooting continues.
The bakkie’s windscreen appears damaged following the exchange.
Police have confirmed one fatality, while the arrest marks a development in the investigation into the attempted hijacking.
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