Driver sparks violent chase in Durban

A dramatic police chase ended in chaos on Underwood Road, just off the M13 in Pinetown, west of Durban, on Monday afternoon, when a truck allegedly driven by a disgruntled employee rammed into several vehicles — including a police car — before crashing to a halt in a hail of bullets.

ALS Paramedics responded to multiple emergency calls just after 3pm reporting a shooting and a serious crash involving SAPS and a suspect vehicle.

When medics arrived, they found the entire roadway cordoned off by police, and a trail of destruction stretching across a short distance.

According to initial reports, the incident began after a dispute between a Malawian truck driver and his employer. The man allegedly took off in the company truck, careening through traffic and colliding with several vehicles — including one carrying a family — as well as a pedestrian, before slamming head-on into a SAPS vehicle.

During the high-speed chase, members of the SAPS, including the Umlazi K9 unit, attempted to intercept the suspect. Officers opened fire in an effort to neutralise the threat. The truck, riddled with bullet holes and badly damaged from the collisions, eventually came to a stop on Underwood Road.

ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said when they arrived at the scene they found multiple vehicles damaged — some with bullet holes, others as a result of the crash. “The truck driver sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. He was stabilised on scene by Advanced Life Support paramedics and transported to hospital under police guard.”

“A second vehicle, carrying a family returning home, was also caught in the chaos. Five people sustained minor to moderate injuries and were treated on scene before being taken to a nearby hospital for further care,” said Mr Jamieson. 

The exact events leading up to the incident are under investigation by the South African Police Service. Authorities have confirmed that the truck was reported stolen, and charges are expected to follow.