Ekurhuleni – A man was shot and killed after being ambushed by hijackers who then drove off in his minibus taxi, which was full of family and friends returning from a picnic, Springs police said on Sunday.

“The deceased was driving the Quantum… they were coming from a picnic and he was dropping them off at their respective homes,” said Cluster Commander Major General Mumsy Mbele.

The incident happened on Saturday night.

As the vehicle reached the corner of Rumani and Rokana Road in Selcourt, Springs, they were accosted by five armed men.

“Suspects appeared from nowhere and stood in the middle of the road, shooting towards the Quantum.”

When they saw the driver was shot, the criminals approached the vehicle.

One of the men went to the driver’s side and shot him again, before pulling his body out the car and leaving it on the ground.

The shooter then got inside the vehicle.

“[The other criminals] came to the…passengers’ side and ordered everyone not to look at them.”

The suspects then drove away with all the passengers, which included children, inside the vehicle.

A woman sitting in the front passenger seat was told to direct them to the nearest cemetery.

“They went inside the old cemetery at Ext 3, Kwa-thema; they ordered everyone to give all their valuables.”

Amongst items stolen were cellphones, jewellery, shoes and cash.

The robbers then fled on foot.

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them, but warned they should not approach the suspects themselves, as they are dangerous. 

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