Yet another courageous firearm owner kept his cool under life-threatening pressure during an attempted hijacking on the N1. The following story once again highlights the importance of being legally armed and well trained in South Africa where violent crime is at an all-time high.
According to local reports, the incident took place on 29 October on the N1 highway North at the Diepkloof interchange, south of Johannesburg. The driver of a white bakkie (the victim) was signalled by the passengers of two other cars to stop, allegedly posing as law enforcement officers.
The victim and the hijackers stopped the vehicles. The hijackers approached the victim and indicated that there was something wrong under the victim’s bakkie. When the victim went to investigate the supposed problem, one of the hijackers pulled out a knife and told him they were going to take his car.
Fortunately, the victim had a firearm on his waist and was very quick on the draw. He fatally shot all three hijackers.
Suspects from the second vehicle fired shots at the man as they fled the scene.
Local police said they are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder and attempted hijacking.
Our Criminal Law expert, Dr. Lewellyn Curlewis gave his inputs:
“The decision to prosecute the firearm owner, or not (for whatever possible alleged offences), will be within the discretion of the SAPS and ultimately within the prerogative of the NPA. That is just how the law works. However, the worst case scenario in the circumstances at hand and on the assumption that all facts corroborate the version portrayed by the media, is that the firearm owner/victim will have to rely on one of the traditional grounds of justification against allegations of an unlawfull attack to avoid conviction.. With the correct approach and support of a decent legal team, our firearm owner has nothing to fear.”
Firearms Guardian once again wishes to stress the importance of proper firearm training. The man in the above scenario was clearly very well trained and maintained a cool head under an extremely dangerous and traumatic situation.
The Firearms Guardian policy is administered by Firearms Guardian (Pty) Ltd (FSP47115), an authorised Financial Services Provider and underwritten by GENRIC Insurance Company Limited (FSP43638), an authorised Financial Services Provider and licensed non-life Insurer.
