Police shootout in Umlazi results in deaths of wanted suspects
Two suspects lay dead in between houses in uMlazi D section informal settlement on Monday following a deadly shootout with police in the early hours of the morning
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
Two wanted suspects were shot and killed in a shootout with police on Monday morning in Umlazi.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda stated that the suspects were wanted for violent crimes in Inanda and surrounding areas.
They were shot when they opened fire on police officers in Umlazi.
The incident occurred at an informal settlement on Silwane Khoza Road in D Section. Police were responding to intelligence they received regarding the suspects' whereabouts.
Two suspects lay dead in between houses in uMlazi D section informal settlement on Monday following a deadly shootout with police in the early hours of the morning
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Newspapers
According to Netshiunda, officers moved in to apprehend the suspects when they were met with gunfire.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple rounds fired as the standoff unfolded. Police recovered two firearms from the deceased suspects, which are due to undergo ballistic testing.
Netshiunda has indicated that the ballistics testing was necessary in determining whether the recovered weapons were linked to other recent criminal activities across the province, which could potentially shed light on a larger network of violence.
"We cannot tolerate such brazen attempts against the lives of our officers and the public," Netshiunda said.
"The quick response of our forces averted what could have been a far more dangerous situation."
He said police would continue in their efforts to combat crime and respond to threats with determined action.
DAILY NEWS