Police investigate drive-by shooting that left one dead and another injured
Durban — Verulam police are investigating cases of murder and attempted murder after a motorist was allegedly shot and killed and a passenger was left wounded at Amaotana in Verulam on Saturday night.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said it is reported that the deceased and three others were driving from the beach when they parked their vehicle to cool off. Another vehicle approached from the opposite direction and its occupants reportedly opened fire, killing the driver and leaving a passenger with gunshot injuries.
“The suspects as well as the motive of the shooting are unknown at this stage,” Netshiunda said.
Empire Protection Services spokesperson Christopher Chanderpal said their officers were dispatched after multiple calls of distress from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Durban Metro Police in Trenance Park, Verulam. It was alleged that members of SAPS and Metro Police were taking fire with one suspect and one SAPS member being shot.
Upon arrival, it was established that two members of the public were shot in a white Toyota Etios during what is believed to be a drive-by shooting.
Adding, private security company Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said their operations centre received a call for help at approximately 9:17pm. Reaction officers were dispatched and on arrival found a white Toyota Etios parked on the roadside. The driver's side windows and windshield were bullet-riddled.
“The driver was killed and a 28-year-old female passenger was shot in her right thigh and buttocks. Three other passengers were not injured,” Rusa said.
Responding officers learned passengers were using the e-hailing service. While they were travelling, the driver suggested they stop due to poor visibility during heavy rain. A man suddenly fired multiple shots at the deceased before he walked away. The shooter returned shortly thereafter and discharged the remaining bullets from his firearm before fleeing in an unknown vehicle.
Rusa said the driver died before first responders arrived while the injured woman was taken to the hospital.
“Approximately 17 spent 9mm cartridges were recovered at the scene,” Rusa stated.
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