A wanted suspect was arrested by police in Pietermaritzburg and they recovered an unlicensed firearm in his possession which has been linked to an Isipingo case.
A joint operation between Alexandra Road trio crime detectives, K9 unit and Ixopo detectives led to the arrest of Khulekani Mkhulise (25) in the France area of Pietermaritzburg in the early hours of Tuesday, 12 July.
He was wanted for various crimes committed in different areas, including Isipingo. Police would not comment on the nature of the case as investigations are ongoing.
On Sunday, 9 July at about 12.20am, K9 unit members acted on intelligence-driven information about a suspect travelling towards Pietermaritzburg in a black and grey Toyota Tazz, in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
READ ALSO: Armed men rob Isipingo business owner
Members went to Richmond Road before Thornville, where they noticed the vehicle and called for back-up while giving chase into the France area.
The driver jumped out of the vehicle, fired shots at the police, injuring a 53-year-old member of the K9 unit. He then fled the scene.
A joint operation was planned after locating the whereabouts of the suspect, which led members to his hiding place in France.
Knowing he was armed, police approached the house with caution and knocked on the door. When they did not receive a response, the door was forced open and he was found in possession of a 9mm pistol with eight live rounds of ammunition.
Mkhulise was charged for attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
READ ALSO: Isipingo teacher welcomes second set of twins
Investigations revealed that the recovered firearm was positively linked to an Isipingo case. The man was also wanted for two counts of attempted murder and murder cases committed in Ixopo, and car theft in Malvern.
He appeared in Pietermaritzburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 12 July for attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He was remanded in custody until 20 July.
KZN acting provincial commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa praised the members who worked tirelessly to ensure the criminal was brought to book. “We will not tolerate criminals who attack police officers while executing their duties. Our police officers will defend themselves when under fire. We wish the injured policeman a speedy recovery,” he said.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
