Three suspects arrested following shootout with police

Westville police in Durban have arrested three men aged between 21 and 28 for attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said police were operationally deployed along Arklew and Callender Roads when they spotted a suspicious vehicle with three occupants on Monday.

“The men spotted the police officers and opened fire on them while attempting to flee the scene. Police returned fire wounding one of the men in the stomach. His two accomplices were arrested at the scene. A 9mm pistol as well as housebreaking implements were found in the men’s possession.”

“All three men will be profiled to establish if they are linked to other house robberies and crimes reported in Westville and surrounding areas. The injured man was taken to hospital for medical attention where he is under police guard,” said Zwane.

Two of the men are expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court soon.

KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial commissioner Major0-General Bheki Langa commended the police for the apprehension of the alleged house robbers and the recovery of an unlicensed firearm.

“We will ensure such operations continue in the Westville area and do everything within our control to make certain the perpetrators of crime in that area are apprehended. The residents of Westville are commended for their vigilance and active participation in crime fighting structures.”

“Criminals are becoming sophisticated and are ingenious in their method of operation. We urge residents to always be alert and contact police immediately, should they see something that is out of place,” added Langa.

– Caxton News Service