A manhunt is under way for two more suspects wanted in connection with serious and violent crimes in Mariannhill following a pre-dawn operation in the area that resulted in nine suspects being shot dead by police on Wednesday, April 3.
Members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Stabilisation Team, acting on intelligence about a group of 11 suspects who were terrorising the residents of Mariannhill and the surrounding areas, mobilised in search of them.
It is alleged that the group have been involved in a number of criminal activities, including armed robberies, theft, rape and murder.
Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects were also wanted in connection with the gang-rape of a girl, whose mother was forced to watch the attack, during a house-robbery.
Colonel Netshiunda said the youngest suspect was 18 and the oldest 22.
He said at the time of the operation, police had received information that the suspects were plotting to execute a hit on someone.
“The police came under fire when they knocked at the wrong house but they managed to retaliate and neutralised the threat with none of them suffering any injuries,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
Three firearms including a high-calibre firearm was recovered at the scene.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka applauded the excellent work being conducted by law enforcement agencies in the province.
Mr Hlomuka appealed to members of the community to assist the police with reliable information to ensure the apprehension of these wanted criminals.
“Our law enforcement agencies are indeed equal to the task. As government, we have adopted a zero-tolerance approach to crime. Just last Thursday (28 March) police fatally shot four wanted suspects in Cato Manor, this is a clear indication that our targeted operations are yielding positive results. Our intelligence driven operations in targeted crime hotspots continue to make significant dents in crime syndicates operating in the province. We commend the dedication and bravery displayed by our law enforcement officers in the execution of their duties,” added Mr Hlomuka.
He appealed to community members to assist law enforcement by providing information regarding all criminal activity in their surroundings; and to roll up their sleeves and join voluntary crime fighting structures to help augment the work being done by law enforcement to safeguard their communities.
“Community participation is an important part of crime prevention; the government, police cannot win the battle against crime without the active participation of the brave men and women in our communities,” he said.
Mr Hlomuka said their department will also hand over tools to fight crime in a bid to empower and better equip voluntary crime-fighting structures in the province.
