Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – A motorist was shot and left in a critical condition following an attempted vehicle hijacking on the N2 Southbound highway at the Umgeni off-ramp on Monday.
The incident unfolded while traffic was moving slowly along the busy section of the N2. Two armed suspects approached the victim’s vehicle and attempted to hijack it. The effort proved unsuccessful, but during the confrontation, the suspects fired shots at the victim, striking them with at least one gunshot wound. The attackers then fled the scene, taking an undisclosed amount of valuables from the vehicle. They were last seen heading towards a nearby informal settlement.
Emergency responders from KZN VIP Emergency Medical Services and associated Security Response Teams were quickly dispatched to the scene after receiving urgent calls from passing motorists who witnessed the event and requested immediate assistance. Upon arrival, paramedics found the victim suffering from a serious gunshot wound. A Metro Police officer who happened to be passing by stopped at the scene and helped secure the area, maintaining safety until further emergency personnel could arrive.
KZN VIP medics provided on-scene stabilisation for the patient, addressing the critical nature of the injuries before transporting the victim by ambulance to a nearby medical facility for urgent further treatment. The individual remains in a critical condition.
All relevant emergency services were present at the location, including medical, security, and police units. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has taken over the investigation into the circumstances of the attempted hijacking and shooting. Details regarding the exact sequence of events prior to the suspects’ approach, the precise nature of the valuables taken, or any potential descriptions of the suspects remain unconfirmed pending the ongoing police probe.
This incident highlights the persistent challenges of vehicle-related crime on major routes in the Durban area, particularly during periods of slower traffic that can create opportunities for such attacks. The N2 highway serves as a vital artery connecting various parts of KwaZulu-Natal, carrying high volumes of commuters, freight, and daily traffic.
KZN VIP, a private emergency medical and security response provider active in the region, operates a 24-hour control room to handle such emergencies. Their services include rapid deployment of advanced life support paramedics and coordination with other responders. Contact details for their control room include 031 502 3456 for calls, 067 712 7976 for emergency WhatsApp reports, and [email protected] for other correspondence.
Authorities urge motorists to remain vigilant, especially in areas prone to congestion on major highways like the N2. Recommendations often include keeping vehicle doors locked, windows up where possible, maintaining situational awareness, and reporting suspicious activity promptly. SAPS investigations continue, and updates on any arrests or further developments are expected as more information becomes available.
No additional confirmed details about the victim’s identity, age, or specific vehicle involved have been released publicly to protect privacy and the integrity of the investigation. The focus remains on providing the necessary medical care to the injured party and pursuing those responsible for the violent crime.
