Durban — Police shot and killed eight suspects in Richards Bay following a shootout. The suspects were believed to be en route to Esikhawini to rob a foreign-owned shop.
In a statement, police confirmed the shooting took place around midnight on Thursday 5 December 2024.
Police said they received intelligence about the suspects. Their vehicle was spotted along the John Ross Highway towards Richards Bay when police intercepted them and told the driver to stop.
“The driver ignored the police’s lawful instructions and sped off. A high-speed vehicle chase ensued and the suspects started firing shots towards the police. Police returned fire and during the shootout, eight suspects were shot and fatally wounded,” police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said.
The suspects were also linked to a cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery that happened in the Mzingazi area. They were found with three firearms, two replica guns, and house-breaking tools. Police are investigating whether the firearms are linked to other crimes.
Police say the eight suspects fatally wounded in a shootout with police in Richards Bay were also linked to a recent cash-in-transit robbery which happened in the Mzingazi area in KZN. #eNCA anchor @MasegoRahlaga brings you more details on the incident. #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/sMaIj5pghz
— eNCA (@eNCA) December 6, 2024
Netshiunda added that the total number of suspects killed during shootouts this week now stands at 10. One suspect was shot and wounded in a shootout with police at F Section in Umlazi after police received information on the whereabouts of two CIT robbery suspects.
“When police arrived at a residence at F Section, two suspects opened fire towards the police and during a resultant shootout, one suspect was shot and fatally wounded and the other one ran into the darkness and narrowly evaded arrest,” Netshinuda said.
Another suspect was fatally wounded on Thursday during an altercation with police, resulting in two arrests at F Section. Police responded to a reported hijacking in Phoenix. The vehicle was spotted in KwaMashu with three occupants. One suspect ran and began shooting at police on foot, resulting in his death.
The arrested suspects will appear in court soon.
BREAKING NEWS | A suspect has been killed in a gunfight with KZN police and security teams in KwaMashu.
Police say a gang had just committed a housebreaking when they were tracked and intercepted.
Two other suspects have been arrested, one of which is reportedly wounded from… pic.twitter.com/cRPcsrvodg
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) December 5, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
