- Police in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, have arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with a violent attempted hijacking in Pinetown on 9 October 2026
- The incident went viral after dashcam footage showed a father protecting his daughter before returning fire at the alleged attackers
- Police say the suspect was found with an unlicensed firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition and faces multiple charges, including attempted carjacking and three counts of attempted murder
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South African police have arrested a 35-year-old man in KwaDabeka in connection with a high-profile attempted hijacking in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), that left a father injured and one alleged attacker dead.
The arrest took place on Sunday, 25 October 2026, following an investigation into the incident on Lea Place on 9 October.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed the arrest, which follows widespread public attention after dashcam footage of the confrontation circulated on social media.
The footage showed a father fighting back against armed men while his two children were inside his vehicle.
What happened during the viral Pinetown hijacking?
According to police, the father was reversing out of his driveway with his two children when suspects emerged from a vehicle behind him and opened fire.
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His daughter was sitting in the front passenger seat when the attack began.
The father reportedly moved to shield her before drawing his own firearm and returning fire at the alleged hijackers. One of the attackers was fatally shot during the exchange.
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The father sustained three gunshot wounds to his knee.
The footage of the incident spread widely online, drawing attention to the dangers faced by motorists during hijacking attempts and the father's efforts to protect his children.
Police arrest 35-year-old suspect in KwaDabeka
Following investigative work and information received by detectives, Pinetown police traced the suspect to KwaDabeka, where he was arrested on 25 October.
Police said the man was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and 14 rounds of ammunition.
The arrest marks a development in the investigation into the attempted hijacking, which attracted considerable public interest after the footage went viral as reported by Briefly News.
Charges against the arrested suspect
The 35-year-old suspect faces several charges, including:
- Attempted carjacking.
- Three counts of attempted murder.
- Possession of an unlicensed firearm.
- Possession of ammunition.
According to police, the suspect is expected to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 27 October 2026.
The charges are allegations, and the suspect's guilt will be determined through the legal process.
Pinetown hijacking case draws public attention
The incident has remained in the spotlight because the dashcam footage captured the confrontation as it unfolded, including the father's attempt to protect his daughter while under fire.
The latest arrest represents a significant development in the police investigation. Authorities have linked the suspect to the attempted hijacking, while the court proceedings are expected to address the charges against him.
For now, the case serves as a reminder of the serious risks associated with violent hijackings and the lasting consequences such attacks can have on victims and their families.
Source: TUKO.co.ke