MORE details have emerged following last night’s high-speed chase and shootout which ended on Josiah Gumede Road (Old Main Road) in Pinetown.
Marshall Security’s Tyron Powell, who was involved in the high-speed chase, was injured in the shootout.
He was struck in the arm and chest and is in a stable condition in hospital, confirmed KZN SAPS provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker.
Related story: Marshall Security’s Tyron Powell injured in Pinetown shootout
Four firearms were seized from the crime scene.
Naicker said police also found a number of items identified as traditional medicine in the suspects’ vehicle as well as a two-way radio and other implements used by the gang to commit robberies,
“Police are investigating cases of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as inquest. Detectives are convinced that this gang will be linked to a number of recent robberies in the greater Durban area,” Naicker said.
Brigadier Naicker also recounted how the scene unfolded.
“Police officers from the Provincial K9 Unit were following upon on intelligence about a white Ford Ranger that was involved in a spate of armed robberies in the greater Durban area. The vehicle was first spotted in Pinetown at 7pm and police attempted to pull the vehicle over. The suspects tried to flee whilst shooting at the police officers. Police gave chase and the suspects eventually lost control of their vehicle and crashed into a garage on Josiah Gumede Road.
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“Six suspects got out of the vehicle and engaged in a gun battle with the police officers and officials from a security company who also responded. During the shootout, three suspects were fatally wounded while a fourth was injured and taken to hospital. Two suspects managed to flee the scene and a manhunt for them is still continuing,” he said.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner for KwaZulu-Natal, Major General Thulani Gonya has commended police officers from the K9 Unit for their bravery when they took on a highly armed gang of robbers in Pinetown.
“These thugs were armed to the teeth and the fact that they had traditional muthi with them made them believe that they were invincible. This once again highlights the dedication of our police officers to bring criminals to book. We wish the injured police officer a speedy recovery,” he said.
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