Security guard survives exchange of gunfire after intercepting suspects in Umhlanga

A security guard survived an exchange of gunfire on a residential street in Umhlanga, north of Durban, after intercepting a vehicle carrying suspected robbers, authorities and his employer said.

Footage of the incident, which took place on Tuesday morning, shows the guard ducking for cover as repeated gunshots are fired after he stopped a car in Somerset Drive. After the suspects in the intercepted vehicle opened fire, a second vehicle arrived and at least one occupant, described by Blue Security as wearing a balaclava and a bulletproof vest, fired a rifle at the guard. The guard returned fire and the two vehicles fled the scene; he then ran from the area while calling for backup. Police have opened an attempted murder case.

Blue Security, the private company that employs the guard, said the incident began when its officers pursued a white Toyota Starlet after a report of suspicious activity. "When our Blue Team approached, the suspect fled in a white Toyota Starlet. Our officers pursued the vehicle and managed to intercept it in Somerset Drive," a company spokesperson said. "Upon interception, the suspects exited the vehicle and opened fire on the Blue Security team. Moments later, a second vehicle, a Toyota double cab, arrived at the scene. One of its occupants, dressed in a balaclava and wearing a bulletproof vest, discharged rounds from a rifle towards our personnel. Both vehicles fled the area following the exchange."

The company said additional patrols were being deployed in the area. Blue Security chief executive Henk van Bemmelen said the company was "deeply grateful for the courage, professionalism, and commitment displayed by our team under extremely dangerous circumstances."

Local police confirmed they had opened an attempted murder investigation into the shooting. Details about any injuries, arrests or the current status of the suspects were not released immediately by police.

The episode drew comparison to a widely shared 2021 incident in which former police sniper Leo Prinsloo, then working in private security, was ambushed while escorting high-value cargo and fired back after multiple attackers opened fire on his vehicle. In that case, Prinsloo — a former member of a South African Police Service special forces unit — was able to fend off the attackers and the assailants fled. The 2021 encounter, like Tuesday’s footage, was circulated widely on social media and in news reports.

Police and Blue Security said the investigation into Tuesday morning’s shooting is ongoing. Authorities asked anyone with information or additional footage to come forward to assist with inquiries.