Police have launched a manhunt in Cato Manor after officers came under heavy gunfire while transporting two suspects arrested during a crime-prevention operation.
The suspects had been detained after police allegedly found an AK-47 assault rifle and four loaded magazines inside a vehicle at Bonela sports field. The shooting occurred on Monday night as officers were driving the suspects towards a police station.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers were conducting routine crime-prevention and stop-and-search operations when they noticed a silver Toyota Etios parked along Raymond Road.
Police approached the vehicle and found two occupants inside. A search allegedly resulted in the recovery of the firearm and ammunition.
The two occupants were arrested and placed in the police vehicle. According to Netshiunda, they later warned officers that two other vehicles were following them and that their occupants intended to attack the police.
Cato Manor Police Attack Follows AK-47 Recovery
The Cato Manor police shooting unfolded while officers were travelling along Dunbar Road towards a police station to formally charge the arrested suspects.
Netshiunda said the police vehicle was followed by a white Toyota Double Cab and a white Toyota Corolla Cross. The arrested men allegedly warned officers to drive away because the occupants of the two vehicles were preparing to shoot at them.
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The suspects allegedly told police that they had been waiting for the same vehicles to arrive with another AK-47. According to the information provided to police, the second firearm was allegedly intended for a cash-in-transit robbery planned for Tuesday, 25 August.
Police accelerated after receiving the warning but were allegedly met with heavy gunfire from the occupants of the two vehicles. Officers did not return fire because several members of the public were in the area, with police instead driving tactically until they reached the safety of a police station.
Cato Manor Shooting Suspects Recovering Under Police Guard
The Cato Manor shooting suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were taken to hospital. They remain under police guard while recovering from their injuries. Police have not indicated whether additional suspects have been identified or arrested in connection with the attack.
Netshiunda said the investigation and manhunt for those responsible for firing on the police vehicle are continuing. The circumstances surrounding the alleged planned cash-in-transit robbery are also expected to form part of the investigation.
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could help identify or locate the outstanding suspects to come forward. Members of the public can report information to the nearest police station or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Police Hunt Suspects After Dunbar Road Gun Battle
The Cato Manor police manhunt follows a dramatic escalation of what began as a routine stop-and-search operation. The discovery of an AK-47 and four fully loaded magazines led to the arrest of two people, before officers allegedly came under attack while transporting them. The suspects’ warning to police about the approaching vehicles was followed by the reported gunfire.
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Police are continuing to investigate the identities and whereabouts of those allegedly involved in the attack. The recovery of the firearm and the alleged information about another AK-47 have also placed the suspected cash-in-transit robbery at the centre of the investigation.
Anyone with information about the suspects or the vehicles allegedly involved is urged to contact the police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
