Man jumps from taxi covered in blood, leading to 3 arrests for attempted murder

Three suspects remain in custody following their first court appearance in connection with the attempted murder and abduction of a man who was found covered in blood after jumping out of a taxi during a traffic stop.

The three suspects appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and abduction.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday morning by a metro police officer who witnessed a minibus taxi driver run a red light at the intersection of Jakes Gerwel Drive and Morgenster Road. 

During the traffic stop, as the officer spoke with the driver, a man covered in blood jumped out of the vehicle and collapsed.

“On Sunday morning a metro police officer conducted what he thought was a routine traffic stop but has since resulted in charges of attempted murder, kidnapping and abduction against three suspects. The trio aged 23, 24 and 27 were found in a minibus taxi along with an injured man who was later taken to hospital for treatment,” said metro police spokesperson, Ruth Solomons. 

At the scene, while the officers were on the radio, it is alleged that two more men exited the taxi, with their hands also covered in blood. The officer then instructed them to stay inside the vehicle until backup arrived. 

According to Solomons, the suspects were detained at Mitchells Plain police station, while the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“Following their court appearance today, the suspects were remanded in custody until their bail hearing next week,” metro police added.