Cape Town — South African Police Services (SAPS) in Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) shot and killed three men following an intense shootout with police in Eshowe on Thursday.
Police from the KZN Provincial Stabilisation Team were responding to intelligence that there were suspects carrying firearms and believed to be on their way to an assassination attempt. Police intercepted them near King Dinuzulu and instructed them to pull over, but the suspects fled, leading to a high speed chase, a SAPS statement said.
“Realizing that police were catching up with them, the three suspects got out of their vehicle and fired shot at the police. The tactically astute police officers returned fire and the three suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout. One police officer was injured during the shootout.” KZN spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said.
#sapsKZN Three suspected hitmen were shot and fatally wounded during a shootout with police in Eshowe on 21/03. The suspects, who were carrying firearms, were believed to be on their way to execute an assassination. One police officer was injured during the shootout. NP… pic.twitter.com/q1BxScgIKW
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 22, 2024
Police recovered two firearms, one with no serial number, and several rounds of ammunition. A search of the vehicle found a hand grenade and rounds of ammunition for a rifle.
“Two of the suspects have been identified and were allegedly involved in several cases of taxi-related murder and attempted murder cases within the King Cetshwayo District.” Netshiunda added.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
