Six suspects were shot dead and five firearms were recovered in two separate incidents where suspects opened fire at police in KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of Thursday morning.

South African Police Services spokesman Brigadier Jay Naicker said four men, suspected to be behind a string of cash in transit robberies in the province were shot dead in an early morning shootout with police in Camperdown on Thursday.

“A team comprising police officers from various units including the Hawks gathered intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the suspects and when police announced their arrival at the identified house, they were greeted with a hail of bullets from the suspects. The police officers returned fire and during the shootout, four suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Three firearms were found in the possession of the suspects,” said Brigadier Naicker.

He said in another incident, police officers who are members of the National Intervention Unit gathered intelligence and cornered two suspects who were sought for intimidation, extortion and other violent crimes.

“When police pounced on the suspects at their hideout at the Klaarwater Hostel in Mariannhill, the suspects opened fire at the police officers . Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded in the shootout. Two firearms were found in the possession of the suspects,” said Brigadier Naicker.

He said police in KwaZulu-Natal remained committed to enforcing and upholding the law by preventing, combating and investigating crime.

“Suspects who challenge the authority of the state by shooting at police officers will be met with the force proportional to their actions,” said Brigadier Naicker.

Six suspects have been killed in a gun battle with police.

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