Shot at, robbed, and forced into the boot of a car… A man who was on his way from Vredenburg to Cape Town International Airport with a large consignment of abalone experienced all of this early yesterday morning.

Was accompanied by security officers
According to police spokesperson Constable Debbie Alard the man, who was accompanied by security officers travelling in another vehicle, was driving along the West Coast road at 00.45 when he noticed an unknown vehicle driving behind him and heard gunshots being fired at his vehicle.

Put in car boot
The second vehicle drove off to get help after being fired at.  The man’s vehicle was forced to the side of the road. Two men, armed with firearms, got into the man’s car and drove towards the N7 with him. “After a short while the victim was forced into the boot of the suspects’ vehicle, while they transferred the abalone from his vehicle to theirs.”

Security officer was wounded
The victim was released after the men had stolen his abalone, and his vehicle was returned to him. He managed to drive to the nearest police station to report the incident. During the incident one of the security officers sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. No one else was injured.

Melkbosstrand Police are investigating a case of attempted murder, kidnapping, theft and hijacking. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call contact Melkbosstrand Police on 021 553 8200 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.