Three suspects killed during shootout with police in KwaDlangezwa

A dramatic shootout with police at KwaDlangezwa in Empangeni during the early hours of Friday morning, resulted in the fatal wounding of three suspects wanted for at least 10 murder cases.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Stabilization Team, part of Operation Vala uMgodi, acted on intelligence that led them to a house in KwaDlangezwa where the suspects were hiding.

“As police announced their presence, the suspects opened fire, igniting a shootout that concluded with all three suspects fatally wounded. These individuals were also alleged to have been involved in an ATM bombing incident in Esikhaleni on Thursday, which resulted in one suspect's death. At the scene, our officers recovered at least two firearms, with further searches for additional evidence on-going,” said police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner confirmed and endorsed the police’s stance on such confrontations.

“Police officers have a mandate to arrest and bring perpetrators to justice. However, if police find themselves under gunfire, the only option they have to come out alive is through the return of fire,” stated Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.