3 cops injured, 3 suspects killed in separate KZN shootings

Two police officers are receiving medical attention at a hospital after they were shot and injured by a suspect during a shoot-out in the Okhalweni area, KwaMaphumulo, in the early hours of this morning.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says police were searching for a suspect wanted for serious violent crimes such as murder and cash-in-transit robberies when they received intelligence about his whereabouts.

When police pounced on him at the identified residence, the suspect refused to open the door, and as soon as police used minimum force to gain entry into the house, the suspect opened fire on the police, injuring the two officers.

“The other police officers returned fire and during the shootout, the suspect was fatally wounded,” adds Netshiunda.

He says a firearm was found in the suspect’s possession.

The injured police officers, a captain and a warrant officer, were taken to hospital where they are recovering.

Second incident in Cato Crest

In another incident that also occurred in the early hours, Netshiunda says police were acting on intelligence about a suspect wanted for a case of murder and attempted murder committed just after midnight on September 3.

“On the day, the suspect allegedly went to a block of flats on Mansel Road in Durban and shot at a couple who were sleeping in their room on the third floor.

“The male victim was declared dead at the scene while his female companion was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds. The couple’s three-year-old child survived the shooting unharmed.”

Netshiunda says the suspect was traced to a shack in Cato Crest, and when police arrived, the suspect opened fire. During the shoot-out, he was shot dead.

He says a firearm was found in the suspect’s possession.

“A police officer was treated at the scene after he sustained minor injuries from a bullet that went through his bullet-resistant vest,” adds Netshiunda.

Third incident in Mariannhill

In a separate incident last night, Netshiunda says police responded to reports of a minibus taxi that had been hijacked in the Mariannhill area.

He adds the driver was dumped on Edwin Swales Drive, and police caught up with the hijacked minibus taxi on Cato Manor Road.

Upon realising the presence of police officers, the passenger in the hijacked minibus taxi started shooting at the police, and the police retaliated.

“The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled while the passenger continued shooting at the police.

“He was shot and fatally wounded during the shoot-out. The suspect was found in possession of a firearm, and a subsequent search of the vehicle led to the recovery of another firearm. A manhunt is ongoing for the suspect who evaded arrest,” explains Netshiunda.