Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating four counts of murder following a shooting incident in Bhambayi, Inanda, just before midnight on Friday.
According to reports, a group of community patrollers was on duty along Nohohwana Skeke Street when they encountered three men suspected of committing robberies in the area.
An altercation ensued, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Two people, a community patroller and a suspect, died at the scene. Two additional patrollers later succumbed to their wounds in the hospital.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, reiterated that organised community crime-fighting groups must work with police and avoid confrontation with suspects.
“We encourage active community participation. However, structures like the Community Police Forum (CPF) must be the eyes and ears of the police and never take actions that may endanger their lives,” Mkhwanazi said.