| Courageous bus driver turns attacker’s own gun on himself | |
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| Date Published: | 2017/05/30 |
| Description Details: | |
Media Statement from KwaZulu-Natal Media Centre
A quick-thinking and courageous 66-year-old bus driver turned the tables on his attacker by taking possession of his gun and making him plead for mercy. The Phoenix resident drives a bus for a private company contracted to Portnet and on 29 May 2017, was transporting commuters from Durban to all the railway stations along the route to Kelso on the mid-South Coast. At about 13:00, the last remaining passenger on board approached the driver, pointed a 9mm pistol at him, and ordered him to drive to a destination of his choice. The hapless driver got onto the N2 freeway and drove south as instructed. Fearing the worst if he continued, the driver turned into the off-ramp at Hibberdene and got onto the north-bound carriageway, determined to drive back to his bus depot. This angered the gunman who struck him a sharp blow in the shoulder with the butt of the pistol. Taking advantage of the situation and using the element of surprise, the driver slammed hard on his brakes, sending the suspect sprawling. Leaving the driver’s seat of the now stationary bus, the driver grappled with the gunman and wrestled the pistol out of his hands. Realizing that the shoe was now on the other foot, the suspect raised his hands and apologized, pleading for mercy. Holding the gun trained on the suspect, the driver ordered him off the bus, pushing him along the road towards the rear of the bus. When he was a safe distance away, the driver got back into the bus and drove to the Scottburgh police station where he reported the matter and handed in the pistol he had taken from his assailant. It was loaded with a full magazine of 15 rounds of ammunition. The gun will be subjected to ballistics tests to determine if it had been used to commit any other crimes. The Scottburgh SAPS has registered charges of pointing of a firearm, attempted kidnaping and attempted carjacking for investigation. Media Contact: Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane-071 683 6525
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService | |
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