Four persons suspected to have been involved in several cash-in-transit robberies in the eThekwini District have been killed in a shootout with police on Friday morning.
Following the series of cash-in-transit heists, police claimed a team comprised of multiple police disciplines and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) followed up on information.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a police spokesman, said intelligence led the officers to a residence on the corner of Queen Nandi Drive and Sikhindi Road in KwaMashu, which was thought to be a safe haven for the suspects.
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“When police announced their presence, the suspects started firing gunshots at the police, leaving the law enforcement officers with no other alternative but to return fire and a shootout ensued. Four suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shootout.
“The suspects, two of whom are from Limpopo province, were found in possession of four firearms – an AK47 assault rifle, an R5 rifle, and two pistols – as well as numerous rounds of ammunition,” Netshiunda said.
According to Netshiunda, police discovered “a large quantity of explosives, several vehicle number plates, as well as signal jammers” in the custody of the murdered suspects.
“A manhunt for additional suspects is ongoing.” Netshiunda added, “The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been summoned for further investigations.”
In a separate incident, two people were shot dead in a shooting near the Magistrates Court on the Mangusuthu Highway shortly after 7.30 a.m. on Friday.
Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for ALS Paramedics, said police were already on the site when they arrived.
“The area had been cordoned off by members. Paramedics assessed the two men who were found seated in a car and found them to have sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
“Unfortunately, both men had succumbed to their injuries and were declared deceased at the scene,” Jamieson said while adding that police are investigating the shooting.
