KEY POINTS
- Five suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with police in Ntuzuma, Durban, after a tip-off about an alleged planned business robbery.
- Police recovered three firearms and are searching for additional suspects, while two others were hospitalized after shooting each other during an internal dispute.
- The incident has sparked community concerns about violent crime, with authorities urging public cooperation to combat criminal activities in the region.
In a dramatic turn of events, five suspected robbers based in Kwazulu-Natal were killed in a shootout with police in Ntuzuma, north of Durban, on Monday morning.
According to Timeslive, the incident unfolded after officers received a tip-off about an unconfirmed number of robbers traveling in two vehicles, allegedly planning to carry out a business robbery in KwaMashu.
According to police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, the robbers parked their vehicles at the corner of Mdubu and Melusi streets when a disagreement erupted among the group. “It is suspected that the suspects had a disagreement, which led to shots being fired among themselves,” Netshiunda explained. Police officers, who were already combing the area, stumbled upon the altercation.
“The suspects then turned their guns to the police, and the police retaliated,” Netshiunda said. The ensuing shootout left four robbers fatally wounded at the scene.
A subsequent search led to the discovery of a fifth suspect who had attempted to flee but succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Police begin investigation
So far, police have recovered three firearms and are investigating the possibility that the robbers were part of a larger criminal network. Netshiunda also revealed that two additional suspects, who allegedly shot each other during the internal dispute, were found receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions from the Ntuzuma community. While some residents expressed relief that the suspects were neutralized, others raised concerns about the escalating levels of violent crime in the area. “We live in fear every day. These criminals don’t care about anyone, but we also worry about the safety of our children when shootouts happen in broad daylight,” said one local resident, who asked to remain anonymous.
Police have urged anyone with information about the suspects or the incident to come forward. They have also assured the public that operations to apprehend any remaining suspects are ongoing.
This shootout comes amid a broader national conversation about crime and police response in South Africa. Recent statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicate a rise in armed robberies and violent crime in KwaZulu-Natal, prompting calls for increased police visibility and community engagement.
As the investigation continues, authorities are also examining the suspects’ possible links to other criminal activities in the region. Meanwhile, the recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine if they were used in previous crimes.
