Pregnant Parlock woman and husband recount armed hijacking ordeal - IOL

The vehicle was recovered in Inanda.

A Parlock couple have described how three armed men allegedly hijacked their Toyota Hilux outside a relative’s home, before the vehicle was recovered in Inanda.

Zaakira Motala, 25, and her husband, Ismaeel, 31, were leaving Amlock Drive, near a place of worship, when they were confronted by the three gunmen who demanded valuables, including keys to their Toyota Hilux bakkie.

Ismaeel Motala said: “We had supper at my cousin’s house and were leaving to return home around 19:55. We walked out of the pedestrian gate and my wife got into the passenger seat while I walked to the driver’s door.

“Suddenly three guys appeared and pointed a firearm at me. They jumped off a vehicle. They demanded cellphones, wallets and the keys to my Toyota Hilux. 

“Initially, they did not see my keys in my hand. When they did see it, they grabbed it.

“I cannot explain why, but I ran to the passenger door and opened it. By this time, my wife who is four months pregnant got out of the passenger seat and began screaming. 

“When the suspects saw me open the door, they pointed the gun at me  and I heard it being cocked.

“This is when I decided to let them take the material things. I was more concerned about protecting my wife. 

“My wife’s screaming alerted my relatives who came outside as the suspects fled,” said Motala.

Motala said the suspects drove off in his vehicle. 

He said the suspects worked very fast, with the hijacking being conducted within a minute.

He said his wife was traumatised by their ordeal and had not slept well since the incident.

“Physically, we do not have a single scratch on us. Emotionally and mentally, we are not well.”

Gareth Naidoo, spokesperson for KZN VIP Protection Services confirmed they responded to a call about the alleged hijacking on Amlock Drive.

He said the suspects arrived at the scene in a white Sedan.

According to Naidoo a joint operation to apprehend the suspects and recover the vehicle ensued, involving police, security companies and car tracking agents.

He said while the had suspects escaped, the Toyota Hilux was recovered in Inanda.

Spokesperson for the Parlock Community Safety Forum, Aadel Kara said they were “deeply concerned” by the armed hijacking.

“Our thoughts are with the affected couple, who were subjected to a frightening and traumatic experience. We are grateful that they were not physically harmed, and acknowledge the joint response which resulted in the recovery ofa the stolen vehicle,” added Kara.

Kara said this incident served as a reminder that criminal activity could occur unexpectedly, even in areas where residents felt safe.