Durban: Police shot and killed five suspected drug dealers

KwaZulu-Natal police shot and killed five suspected drug dealers in Morningside in Durban on Saturday afternoon.

The officers believe they have “broken the back” of a syndicate behind a spate of shootings and drug related crimes in the province.

The operation began when police arrested a suspected drug dealer on Saturday morning during an intelligence driven operation.

Suspects linked to drive-by

KwaZulu Natal police’s anti-gang unit were searching for suspects linked to a recent drive-by in which three people including a child were shot and killed on Tuesday, 21 March 2023 in Springsfield, Durban.

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Officers spotted a vehicle fitting the description of the get away car used in the commission of the crime.

“Following the arrest of the suspect who is currently in police custody, further investigation led the team to an identified premises in Morningside, Durban where five other suspected drug dealers were shot and killed during a shoot-out with the police’s Anti-Gang unit,” Saps in a statement.

Police siezed five firearms including three rifle’s and two pistols, and confiscated an undisclosed amount of money and drugs from the scene.

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“The arrested suspect will likely face charges of possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearms and possession of a stolen motor vehicle,” reads the statement.

The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele says this incident should send a stern warning to all criminals.

“Well done to all involved, we have been having a challenge of shootings and drug related crimes in KZN and these suspects are believed to be part of the syndicate who have been operating in Durban and surrounding areas. Good work to the team but there is more that still needs to be done, so we are definitely coming for more of them.”

The police’s forensic experts are still processing the crime scene. The Independent Police investigative Directorate (IPID) is also on scene.

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