A dramatic gun battle in the Mophela area of Hammersdale ended with five alleged criminals dead after they opened fire on police officers on Sunday night.
KwaZulu-Natal police say the men were wanted in connection with a string of violent crimes — including the cold-blooded murder of a 66-year-old man, his wife, and two police officers.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, intelligence led officers to the suspects’ vehicle along Mophela’s main road. But when police tried to pull them over, the suspects didn’t surrender — they started shooting.
“Officers returned fire, and during the exchange, all five suspects were fatally wounded,” said Netshiunda.
Although a full search of their vehicle is still underway, officers have already recovered three firearms at the scene.
These men were not unknown to law enforcement.
Just last week, one of their alleged victims — a 66-year-old man — was gunned down at his home in Ekwandeni. That killing came just months after he survived a previous assassination attempt in January. Tragically, his wife was not so fortunate — she was shot and killed at the same residence in February.
Police also believe the same group may have been involved in the murder of two officers.
“This may just be the tip of the iceberg,” said Netshiunda. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we believe these suspects could be linked to other violent crimes in the province.”
As police continue to uncover more about the men’s alleged crimes, the community is left breathing a little easier — relieved that a violent chapter may finally have come to a close.