Hijacking gone wrong as suspects target undercover police car in PE

A case has been opened by the police after five men tried hijacking a car.

On Monday morning, the five men attempted to hijack an undercover flying squad vehicle but the operation was unsuccessful.

Police spokesperson, Col Priscilla Naidu said the incident occurred at Commercial Road in Sidwell, close to the N2 on-ramp in Port Elizabeth.

“It is alleged that at about 1:30am Port Elizabeth flying squad members were performing duties in an unmarked police vehicle when they noticed a group of five males running towards them,” she said.

“They were stationary at the robots … One suspect pointed a firearm at them. The members swiftly reacted and fired shots at them.”

She said the suspects scattered in different directions after the shoot-out and the police was unable to locate them.

“A thorough search of the area was conducted, but they could not be found. A cellphone belonging to one of the suspect’s was dropped as he was running,” said Naidu.

The police however urge drivers to exercise caution at all times when stationary or approaching traffic lights.