Key Points:
- A 28-year-old man was shot dead during an alleged hijacking attempt in Newlands West.
- KZNVIP Protection Services confirmed a response to the scene after reports of gunfire.
- Police continue to investigate the murder and carjacking, but no arrests have been made.
Incident Overview
A 28-year-old man was shot and killed during an alleged hijacking attempt outside a shop in Newlands West on Tuesday night.
The victim, Austin Mark Khan, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
Response to the Incident
Gareth Naidoo, a spokesperson for KZNVIP Protection Services, confirmed that their reaction units rushed to the scene after receiving several reports of gunfire at about 6 p.m.
“Upon arrival, officers discovered that four armed male suspects, driving a white Toyota Etios sedan, had attempted to hijack a vehicle near a local shop,” Naidoo said. “While fleeing the scene, the suspects allegedly fired multiple shots at the victim.”
Efforts and Investigations
Despite paramedics’ efforts, they found the victim critically injured and unresponsive. Khan showed no signs of life after the medical assessment, and paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” Naidoo added.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said the Newlands East police are investigating both carjacking and murder cases related to the incident.
“It has been reported that the suspects ambushed the victim while he sat in his vehicle. They demanded the vehicle before fatally wounding him,” Netshiunda said.
A relative of Khan expressed the family’s demand for justice.
Authorities continue investigating the case, and they have not made any arrests.
