IN PICTURES: Johannesburg highway shootout brings traffic to a halt

23 February 2017 - 13:30 By Alex Patrick
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The escort officer is being treated for a compound fracture he sustained after he jumped out of the moving vehicle.
The escort officer is being treated for a compound fracture he sustained after he jumped out of the moving vehicle.
Image: Emer-G-Med

Commuters in Johannesburg found themselves in the middle of a gun battle on Thursday morning after two trucks carrying cellphones were hijacked by a large group of armed suspects on the N1 highway, north of the city.

The trucks were being escorted by a security company when the hijacking occurred where the N1 North splits from the N3 Buccleuch interchange.

 

Supplied 

Paramedics treat the critically injured men. Photo: Supplied

 

“A security officer jumped from one of the moving trucks to avoid being shot and sustained a compound fracture to his arm,” Emer-G-Med spokesperson Max Cohen said.

One of the truck drivers sustained a gunshot to the head when a bullet ricocheted during the shootout.

Emer-G-Med

The uniform worn by the escort officer is left on the ground after he was treated by paramedics. Photo: Emer-G-Med

The hijackers got away with both trucks.

“One truck has been found in Alexandra township,” said Cohen.

The other truck was still missing.

Both the driver and the security officer were taken to a nearby specialised trauma hospital in a stable condition.

Emer-G-Med

Bystanders watch as the injured men are treated by paramedics. Photo: Emer-G-Med

The N1 North/N3 split was closed to traffic for police to assess the crime scene. Motorists should expect heavy delays.

 

  • UPDATE: JMPD officer shot as N1 hijacking suspects arrestedA 28-year-old Johannesburg Metro Police Department officer has been shot in a gun battle with suspects who earlier made off with two trucks loaded with cellphones on Thursday morning.

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