A suspected assassination attempt left a driver seriously injured on the N2 southbound near the KwaMashu off-ramp on Tuesday afternoon, forcing the closure of three lanes and disrupting traffic. The incident occurred about three kilometres before the off-ramp. The driver of a red BMW was taken to hospital after the shooting. KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma described the shooting as an assassination attempt, but the circumstances and motive have yet to be confirmed by police.
The Umdloti Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) team responded to manage traffic while police took control of the crime scene. The southbound carriageway was affected, with three lanes closed and traffic only allowed to use the shoulder lane. Motorists were urged to exercise extra caution when approaching the area. The statement did not provide further details about the driver or the attackers.
The shooting comes amid an increased law enforcement deployment ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections. KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC Siboniso Duma said 688 officers from RTI and Operation Shanela teams had been deployed across KwaZulu-Natal, including 77 in Durban. Their duties include monitoring congestion, patrolling major routes, enforcing traffic laws and responding to unauthorised road closures.
The deployed officers will also assist with escorts for police and Electoral Commission officials transporting voting materials where necessary. The increased deployment aims to ensure a safe and secure environment for the local government elections. The MEC did not provide further details on the specific security measures in place for the elections.
The incident on the N2 southbound has raised concerns about the security situation in the region, particularly with regards to potential assassination attempts. The MEC’s office and the police have yet to provide further information on the incident, including the identity of the driver and the possible motives behind the attack.
The closure of three lanes on the N2 southbound has caused significant disruptions to traffic in the area. Motorists have been advised to exercise extra caution when approaching the area and to follow the instructions of traffic officials. The RTI team and police are working to ensure that traffic flows smoothly and safely.
The investigation into the suspected assassination attempt is ongoing, with police working to gather more information on the incident. The MEC has urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement and to report any suspicious activity. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in maintaining public safety.
Key points
- A driver was seriously injured in a suspected assassination attempt on the N2 southbound near the KwaMashu off-ramp in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
- The incident occurred amid an increased law enforcement deployment ahead of Wednesday’s local government elections.
- 688 officers from RTI and Operation Shanela teams have been deployed across KwaZulu-Natal to ensure a safe and secure environment for the elections.
