KEY POINTS
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Austin Mark Khan, a 28-year-old man, was fatally shot during an attempted hijacking in Newlands West.
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Four armed suspects ambushed Khan in his vehicle, and during the attempted hijacking, they fired multiple shots, resulting in his death.
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The incident has raised concerns about rising violent crime in South Africa, with calls for better security measures and increased law enforcement presence in high-risk areas.
A 28-year-old man, Austin Mark Khan, was tragically killed in a violent attempted hijacking outside a shop in Newlands West, KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday evening.
The incident, which occurred around 6 p.m., has left the community shaken and reignited concerns about the growing prevalence of violent crime in the area.
According to reports from KZNVIP Protection Services, the four suspects involved in the hijacking attempt arrived in a white Toyota Etios sedan. They confronted Khan, who was in his vehicle, and demanded that he hand over his car. However, during the attempted robbery, the suspects opened fire while trying to flee, fatally shooting the victim multiple times.
Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZNVIP Protection Services, confirmed that their reaction unit was dispatched to the scene following several reports of gunfire. “When we arrived, it was clear that the suspects had already fled, but the victim was critically injured. Despite the efforts of our paramedics, he was declared dead at the scene. Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time,” Naidoo said.
The increasing wave of violent crime
As investigations continue, local authorities are working tirelessly to identify the suspects involved in the deadly attack. Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, stated that Newlands East police are investigating both a carjacking and a murder case. “We are treating this as a hijacking attempt that escalated into a fatal shooting. We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.
This tragic event is part of a larger, troubling trend in South Africa, where hijackings and violent robberies have become increasingly common in high-density urban areas. Experts have highlighted the rising number of carjackings in particular, with many residents voicing concerns about the safety of their neighborhoods.
Crime analysts are calling for a more effective law enforcement response to curb the rise of violent crimes in the country, especially in vulnerable areas such as Newlands West. “This is a wake-up call for our communities. We need stronger security measures, including more patrols and surveillance, to prevent these senseless acts of violence,” said local community leader Thando Ndlovu.
Austin Khan’s family is devastated by his untimely death and is demanding justice. A relative of the deceased said, “We will not rest until the people responsible for this brutal act are caught. Austin did not deserve this. We want justice, and we want to see a reduction in these kinds of violent crimes that plague our communities.”
As the investigation unfolds, the public is left grappling with the rise in violent crimes and the safety of their neighborhoods.
IOL reports that the incident has sparked a broader conversation about crime prevention, police efficiency, and the need for stronger community involvement in ensuring public safety.
