A dramatic high-speed rampage involving a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck came to a bloody end on Monday afternoon when police shot and wounded a suspect behind the wheel in Chatsworth.
According to ALS Paramedics, chaos erupted after the truck – allegedly stolen – was seen smashing into several vehicles and a pedestrian, leaving destruction in its wake.
The driver, a Malawian national reportedly employed as a trucker, is said to have had a heated altercation with his employer before going rogue, although this has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
What started as a seemingly routine traffic incident escalated rapidly when police units, including the Umlazi K9 team, gave chase.
The situation turned more dangerous when the suspect rammed head-on into a police vehicle and later crashed into several more cars during the pursuit.
“The truck that was allegedly driven by a suspect collided head-on into a SAPS vehicle whilst being chased by other SAPS members,” said ALS Paramedics.
“The truck was found badly damaged as a result of the crash as well as bullet holes.”
The chase ended on Underwood Road in Pinetown, where the police were forced to open fire.
The suspect sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and was treated on the scene before being taken to hospital under police guard.
Watch: Actual Shooting of Chatsworth Rampage Truck Caught on Camera
Five other people, including a family travelling home in one of the vehicles struck during the rampage, sustained minor to moderate injuries and were also transported to hospital.
The entire stretch of road was locked down as authorities launched a crime scene investigation.
While it’s alleged the truck was stolen and that the driver was fleeing after a fallout with his employer, police say these details are still under investigation.
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