An alleged hijacker was wounded during a shootout in Durban, police said on Tuesday.

Superintendent Muzi Mngomezulu said the injured man and two others had hijacked a couple at knife-point in Durban central at 7pm on Monday before the shootout.

Patrolling police spotted the crime and gave chase.

Mngomezulu said the men stopped the car at the corner of Windermere and Kittymere Roads and alighted from the car.

"They ran off and police gave chase on foot. One of the suspects pointed a gun at police and police fired a shot, hitting the suspect in his stomach," said Mngomezulu.

An accomplice was apprehended and arrested.

The third hijacker escaped.

Police said both the injured man and his accomplice would appear in court soon.

Sapa