| 2024/12/06 |
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Media Statement DURBAN – Eight suspects who were believed to be on their way to Esikhawini where they had planned rob a shop owned by a foreign national were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police in Richards Bay just before midnight on Thursday, 05 December 2024. Police operationalised intelligence about the suspects and their vehicle was spotted driving along the John Ross Highway towards Richards Bay and police intercepted them and signalled for the driver to stop. The driver ignored police’s lawful instructions and sped off. A high speed vehicle chase ensued and the suspects started firing shots towards the police. Police returned fire and during the shootout, eight suspects were shot and fatally wounded. The suspects, who were also linked with a recent cash in transit robbery which happened at the Mzingazi area, were found in possession of three firearms, two replica guns and house breaking implements. Investigations are underway to ascertain if the firearms are linked to other crimes scenes. The shootout brings the total number of suspects shot and fatally wounded during shootouts this week to 10. On Wednesday, one suspect was shot and fatally wounded in shootout with police at F Section in Umlazi. Police were searching for suspects who were wanted for a string of murder and cash in transit robbery cases when they received information about the suspects’ whereabouts. When police arrived at a residence at F Section, two suspects opened fire towards the police and during a resultant shootout, one suspect was shot and fatally wounded and the other one ran into the darkness and narrowly evaded arrest. On Thursday, another suspect was shot and fatally wounded during an altercation with police and two more were arrested at F Section in KwaMashu. Police had responded to reports of a vehicle which was hijacked in Phoenix. The hijacked vehicle was spotted at KwaMashu with three occupants and at the sight of police officers, one suspect got out of the vehicle and ran on foot while shooting at police officers. Police gave chase and after the shootout, the suspect was found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds. The arrested suspects will appear in court soon. Ends
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