GUNNED DOWN!
FIVE suspects believed to have been involved in a business robbery in Empangeni on Wednesday were fatally gunned down on the N2 in a shoot-out with police and security services.
The robbery occurred early in the morning at Empangeni Shopping Centre (formerly Sanlam Centre) when a group of armed men forced their way into the centre by smashing the main entrance door.
After gaining entry, they forced their way into a clothing shop and stole expensive clothes.
They also broke into a cellphone shop and stole dozens of mobile phones before loading their loot into their two getaway vehicles.
CCTV footage shows a person believed to be a mall security guard throwing a rubbish bin at one of the getaway vehicles, badly damaging the back windscreen.
An alert was put out immediately after the suspects fled the robbery scene.
Police task force members and a private security company gave chase on the N2, and a shoot-out ensued during which both getaway vehicles rolled.
The first shooting scene was about 1km beyond the Tongaat toll plaza, while the second was just before the King Shaka Airport off-ramp, both on the freeway's southbound carriageway.
“IPSS medical and security services joined a vehicle chase just after 7am. Two vehicles containing several suspects were followed from Empangeni," said Samantha Meyrick of IPSS Security.
"Soon after we joined [the chase] to assist, a shoot-out ensued, leaving four suspects dead, three critically injured, and one with minor injuries."
Meyrick added that IPSS Medical Rescue advanced life support paramedics arrived at the secured scene and attempted to stabilise two of the critically injured patients.
“The patients were then transported to a nearby facility for further care,” she said.
7KH UREEHU\
Saps KZN spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said there were eight suspects who arrived at the mall in two vehicles.
"They held up the security guard and broke into a shop at the mall. The suspects stole clothing and various other items before fleeing the scene," said Naicker.
"A security company in the area was notified and immediately alerted all other role-players to indicate that the vehicles were travelling towards Durban.
"At the Tongaat toll plaza, other security companies and police officers joined in the chase.
"The suspects opened fire on their pursuers and there was an exchange of gunfire.
"Both vehicles lost control and overturned on the N2 near King Shaka International Airport."
Naicker said five suspects died while a further two were found with serious injuries and transported to hospital.
"Police arrested the eighth suspect as he fled the scene," he said.
"Three firearms, as well as house break-in equipment and other exhibits were found in both vehicles.
"The suspects will be profiled to establish if they are linked to other crimes in the province," he said, although unconfirmed reports are that the same gang using the same vehicles has been involved in numerous shopping mall and vehicle dealership crimes.
He said dockets for armed robbery, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition will be opened against the surviving suspects.
"Two suspects remain in critical condition, while the third is expected to appear in court soon," concluded Naicker.
Speaking to role-players at the scene, Saps Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi thanked them for their bravery and determination in pursuing the armed gang who opened fire at security officials.
“This incident demonstrates the need for police to work closely with other law enforcers, including security companies and the business sector,” said Mkhwanazi.
Fleeing centre robbers meet bloody death
*Open your PixzAR app and scan the framed image to watch footage from the scene of the crime