5 suspects linked to Pinetown hijacking shot dead in Queensburgh
The suspects, who were linked to many other cases of robberies and hijackings, were declared dead on scene .
FIVE suspects believed to be behind robberies and hijackings in the Pinetown, Umbilo and Berea areas were shot dead by police in Bellair yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, 11 August).
The suspects, believed to be in their 30s, were linked to case of carjacking reported in Pinetown, where a motorist was robbed of his vehicle yesterday morning.
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KZN police spokesperson, Col Thembeka Mbele said Durban K9 Unit members were following up on information about a stolen vehicle that was used in a number of cases in Durban.
According to Mbele the said vehicle which was used to commit carjackings and robberies was then spotted on the M7 highway towards the Bellair area.
“A chase then ensued between the suspects and the police towards the Malvern area. The suspects’ vehicle crashed into a concrete light pole and brick wall and overturned on Woodlands Avenue in Bellair while the suspects fired shots at the police,” said Mbele.
According to Mbele, the five suspects were declared dead at the scene following a shootout with the police.
ALSO READ: 2 dead, 1 injured in Westville shooting
Mbele said three unlicensed firearms with six rounds of ammunition were seized from the deceased suspects.
“The suspects were positively linked to a business robbery case that was committed yesterday (Tuesday, 11 August) in Umbilo where a vehicle and other belongings were taken from the business premises.”
She added that preliminary investigation gathered at the scene also revealed that the said vehicle was taken during a house robbery in Newlands East in June 2020.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula said it is quite disturbing to see police officers being attacked while executing their duties.
“The police officers will defend themselves when they come under attack. I am glad that no injuries were sustained by the team,” said Jula.
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