Security guard survives shootout after intercepting suspects in Umhlanga

A security guard survived a shootout in the coastal town of Umhlanga, north of Durban, after intercepting a vehicle he believed was linked to a robbery, police and his employer said.

Video released by the private security firm shows the guard pulling his vehicle in front of a white Toyota Starlet on a residential street in Somerset Drive on Tuesday morning, exiting his car and approaching the suspects. Shots were then fired, and the footage captures the officer ducking for cover as rounds strike the street and his vehicle. A second vehicle, described by the security firm as a Toyota double cab, arrived and a man wearing a balaclava and a bulletproof vest discharged rounds from a rifle toward the guard, who returned fire and then retreated while calling for backup. Both vehicles left the scene at speed.

Blue Security, the guard's employer, said its patrol intercepted the white Starlet after it fled when officers approached. "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 have been deployed in the area. Blue Security chief executive Henk van Bemmelen praised the guard's actions: "We are deeply grateful for the courage, professionalism, and commitment displayed by our team under extremely dangerous circumstances."

South African police have opened an attempted murder case in connection with the incident, authorities confirmed. The guard was not reported to have suffered life-threatening injuries and escaped the scene to summon assistance while the suspects fled.

The episode follows a pattern of violent attacks on private security personnel in South Africa. In 2021, former police sniper Leo Prinsloo survived an ambush on a security vehicle while escorting high-value cargo in Pretoria after attackers in two cars opened fire. That incident, captured on dashcam, drew attention to the risks faced by private security operatives who often work on the front line of crime response.

Police and security firms have urged anyone with information about Tuesday's shooting to come forward as investigators continue to trace the two vehicles involved. The matter remains under investigation as law enforcement seeks to identify and apprehend the suspects.