TWO suspects were arrested this morning (5 February) when they crashed their getaway car during a shootout with police in the Clermont area.
Officers from the eThekwini Inner and Outer Cluster Tactical Response Team were conducting crime prevention duties in Wyebank when they spotted a suspicious looking motor vehicle with at least six occupants.
“The police officers attempted to stop the vehicle however the suspects sped off. It is alleged the suspects opened fire at police while fleeing the scene,” said KZN police spokesman, Lt-Col Thulani Zwane.
A chased ensued up to First Avenue Road, Mvuzane area, Clermont.
Zwane said while the suspects were shooting at police, the police officers responded and the suspects’ vehicle crashed. One suspect was found at the scene.
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The second injured suspect (36) was found in the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds. He was taken to hospital under police guard.
The rest of the suspects managed to flee into the bushes.
Two unlicensed firearms were seized from the vehicle belonging to the suspects.
The vehicle was reported as stolen.
A case of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition as well as an inquest docket will be opened at KwaDabeka police station for further investigation.
The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Bheki Langa condemned the attack against the police.
“Our police officers will defend themselves if attacked by the criminals. We will not allow lawlessness to destroy our hard fought freedom and criminal elements will not be allowed to roam freely in our communities,” he said.
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