Suspects killed in shootout

Two fugitives on the most wanted list were shot dead during a shootout with the police in Verulam, Durban, at the weekend.

According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the suspects were wanted for involvement in inter-provincial cash-intransit robberies, housebreakings and farm attacks.

Law enforcement officials including the Hawks, private security personnel and the tactical response team (TRT) operationalised intelligence and cut off the suspects’ vehicle on the Jabu Ngcobo Drive.

“Upon noticing the presence of the police, the suspects started firing shots at them. Police retaliated and a shootout ensued,” said Netshiunda.

One of the fugitives, who had a rifle, slipped away and made a getaway. However, two others were discovered to have died from gunshot wounds.

Netshiunda said law enforcements were carrying out an intensive search for the runaway fugitive.

“The two deceased were among the 15 suspects who attempted to kill TRT members during a foiled cash-intransit robbery in Nkandla in August 2019,” he said.

“The very same suspects were later arrested but absconded from court after they were released on bail.”

Meanwhile, prime suspects were killed in a shootout with the police on Saturday following the gruesome murders of a 48-year-old woman and her 22-year-old daughter in Emachobeni in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal.

He said the police had gathered intelligence on the whereabouts of the suspects, who were reportedly en route to conduct cleansing rituals.

“Acting on this information, [officers] managed to intercept the suspects’ vehicle in the Eskebheni area of uMzinyathi,” he said.

“When instructed to stop their vehicle, the suspects responded with gunfire, initiating an exchange of bullets. But the police officers were prepared.”

In the confrontation, all four occupants of the vehicle suffered fatal injuries.

The police also recovered three firearms. –