Four suspects died in a police confrontation on the M4 Southern Freeway near Durban. Investigations are ongoing into the exact circumstances.
Keypoints:
- Four suspects died after a police confrontation on the M4 Southern Freeway near Durban.
- ALS Paramedics declared all four men dead after they suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
- Authorities are actively investigating the exact circumstances of the shooting.
Four Suspects Fatally Shot on M4 Freeway
Four suspects died after a dramatic confrontation with police on the M4 Southern Freeway near the Old Airport, south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, on Tuesday evening.
Paramedics Respond to Scene
ALS Paramedics rushed to the scene after the South African Police Service (SAPS) engaged the suspects in a shooting incident that occurred just after 6 p.m. ALS Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson explained that paramedics arrived and found SAPS already on-site. The road was closed off to traffic. “Paramedics were shown to a vehicle where four men had sustained multiple gunshot wounds,” Jamieson said. “After assessing the men, we determined that all had died from their injuries and declared them dead at the scene.”
Police Investigation Ongoing
Jamieson confirmed that no police officers sustained injuries during the incident. However, the exact circumstances of the confrontation remain unclear. “At this stage, we do not know the precise events, but authorities are investigating,” Jamieson added. The M4 closed off the southbound lane near the Merebank offramp after the incident. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the shooting. He also stated that he did not have all the details at the time.
In a Similar Incident, Robbers Killed in Shootout with EMPD
The Durban incident follows another deadly encounter earlier this week. On Monday, four suspected robbers died during a shootout with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) in Alberton, Gauteng.
EMPD spokesperson Thabiso Makgato reported that the suspects allegedly robbed the Dog Box Liquor Store on Kritzinger Avenue in Verwoerdpark. “Community members immediately alerted EMPD officers who were patrolling the area,” Makgato said.
Robbery and High-Speed Pursuit Lead to Fatal Shootout
The robbers carried out the theft in broad daylight. They fled the scene in a silver Renault Triber. As the suspects drove toward the N3 north, officers pursued them. The suspects attempted to escape by firing at the officers. Police returned fire, leading to a violent exchange that resulted in the suspects’ deaths.
A fifth suspect suffered a leg injury during the shootout. Officers transported him to Thelle Mokgoerane Hospital for treatment.
Both incidents remain under investigation by the respective police authorities.
