Four killed in Mariannhill police shootout

FOUR men were shot and killed by police in Dessai near KwaNdengezi last night.

Pastor Moses Pillay who was at the scene shortly after the incident said he was coming down the road at about 7.40pm when he heard gunshots and saw people running.

“When I got there the place was packed with police, and there were four bodies lying on the road.

“Apparently these men were chased from Malvern by RTI police. The black Golf they were driving hit another car. They got out and started shooting at the police who shot back at them.

“I am not sure if the car they were in was hijacked or was a get away car. The road was suddenly filled with people who were coming from the ANC rally. Metro police, SAPS, RTI and ER24 were also at the scene,” he said.

Pastor Pillay said when he passed the road this morning there was still blood everywhere.

Police spokesman, Cpt Thulani Zwane said SAPS police members were patrolling in the Mariannhill area when they saw a suspicious black VW Golf in the area.

“Police tried to stop the car but the driver sped off. The members gave chase and it is alleged that the occupants of the VW Golf fired shots towards the police. The members returned fire, killing four men. The fifth man fled the scene on foot.

“Four unlicensed guns were found at the scene and will be taken for ballistic tests to establish if they were used in any other crimes in the country.

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was informed of the death of the suspects and were at the scene,” said Zwane.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said she is concerned about the attack on police officers.

“People should work hand in hand with the police by giving information about illegal guns that are circulating in the province. These guns are used to attack the community as well as the police officers,” she said.