Two suspects who were wanted for murder and robbery cases were shot dead during a shoot-out with police at Thembeni in KwaDukuza, north of Durban, on Monday afternoon.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle in which they were travelling belonged to a police officer.
A 41-year-old woman, who was their driver, was unharmed and arrested.
“No link has thus far been established between the officer and the deceased suspects who have so far been linked to four murder cases, one attempted murder case and one house robbery. A search is still on-going for other suspects who are believed to be part of the syndicate,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
He said police have been hunting down the two suspects for a while but had narrowly missed them last week.
Colonel Netshiunda said police intelligence was gathered about their whereabouts and they were caught along the Link-Thembeni Road.
Police signalled for the suspects to pull over. When their vehicle stopped, two suspects got out of the vehicle and started shooting at the police and a shoot-out ensued.
“Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded. A firearm was found inside the vehicle, together with an undisclosed amount of money,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
Another firearm was found in the possession of one of the suspects.
Colonel Netshiunda said a police officer was shot three times but was saved by a bullet-proof vest.
He added the police officer will be taken through the Employee Health and Wellness programmes for counselling.
