Two suspects wanted for a string of violent crimes, including murder and attempted murder, were shot and fatally wounded during a fierce shootout with law enforcement at Tafelkop in the KwaNdengezi policing precinct on Thursday afternoon.

The confrontation unfolded after police in Mariannhill operationalised tactical intelligence regarding a substantial stock theft operation.

Officers initially responded to reports of suspected stolen goats being kept at a residential property along Intake Road in Tafelkop.

Upon arriving at the address, police successfully recovered thirty stolen goats from the premises.

Shortly after securing the livestock, law enforcement received a critical follow-up tip-off indicating that the highly dangerous suspects had returned to the exact same premises.

An operation was quickly executed as police approached the suspects.

Realising they were cornered, the suspects opened fire, triggering a heavy shootout with the officers.

Two of the wanted men sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the exchange and died at the scene.

A massive manhunt is currently underway for a third suspect, who managed to escape the crime scene on foot while actively firing shots at the police officers.

Members of the public who may have information regarding the whereabouts of the fleeing suspect are urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

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