KEY POINTS
- Three murder suspects were shot and killed in a police shootout in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, while two others escaped.
- The gang was responsible for multiple murders, including the killing of two off-duty police officers and an attack at a tavern in Sundumbili.
- A major manhunt is underway to capture the remaining suspects, with authorities urging the public to assist in their arrest.
Three murder suspects were fatally shot in a dramatic gunfight with police in Bhambayi, Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday afternoon.
The intense encounter erupted as law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend a group believed to be behind a series of brutal killings, including the murder of two off-duty police constables.
The suspects had been on the run since January 4, following a deadly attack at a tavern in Sundumbili that left four people dead and four others critically wounded. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns over rising crime levels in the province.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that officers were acting on intelligence regarding the suspects’ hideout. “Five suspects were cornered inside a house and upon realising the presence of the police, the suspects started firing shots. Police returned fire and a shoot-out ensued. During the shoot-out, three suspects were fatally wounded and three firearms were recovered,” he said.
Two suspects managed to escape amid the chaos, prompting a massive manhunt across the province. Authorities have urged the public to report any information that could lead to their capture.
A Deadly Trail of Crime
The gang is believed to have been terrorizing the Inanda and Umlazi areas, linked to multiple homicides and violent crimes. Their criminal activities allegedly included targeted assassinations, robbery, and extortion. Security experts have warned that such brazen attacks reflect a deeper crisis within KwaZulu-Natal’s criminal underworld, where armed gangs operate with impunity.
With the two remaining fugitives still at large, police have intensified their search operations, deploying specialized units to track them down. “We will not rest until every individual responsible for these heinous crimes is brought to justice,” Netshiunda assured.
Residents in affected areas have expressed mixed emotions, with some relieved by the police action and others fearful of retaliatory violence from the suspects’ associates. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling violent crime.
