Hijacker Shot Dead After Confrontation With Armed Truck Driver on N3 Near Heidelberg

One alleged hijacker has been shot dead following a violent confrontation with an armed truck driver on the N3 northbound near Heidelberg on Friday morning.

According to information shared by the driver in a video recorded at the scene, the incident unfolded after he was allegedly attacked by suspects posing as hitchhikers along the route. The driver claims that during the confrontation, one of the suspects pointed what appeared to be a firearm at him, which he later believed to be fake. Fearing for his life, the driver drew his legally owned firearm and opened fire.

It’s alleged that two suspects were shot during the incident. One suspect was fatally wounded and died at the scene, while three others reportedly fled on foot. It is further claimed that one of the fleeing suspects may have been injured.

Community media outlet Proudly Heidelberg, which was reporting from the scene, confirmed that the incident occurred on the N3 northbound towards Johannesburg, near the Heidelberg Mall bridge. However, it remains unclear whether all the suspects were picked up at that point or if others attempted to intervene later near the R23 Benoni bridge in the Overkruin area. These details have not yet been officially verified.

The South African Police Service confirmed that the scene is under active investigation.

Read | Hijacker shot dead by truck driver on N3 at Heidelberg

Emergency services pronounced one suspect dead at the scene, while police, neighbourhood patrols, and community safety teams launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects believed to have fled towards Spaarwater and the Overkruin or Bergendal areas.

The Heidelberg section of the N3 has repeatedly been flagged as a high-risk corridor for hijackings and violent crime, particularly targeting trucks and long-distance motorists.

Police have once again urged motorists and truck drivers not to stop for hitchhikers, to remain vigilant, and to report suspicious activity immediately.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information is confirmed by SAPS