KZN Shootouts Leave Four Suspected Criminals Dead
- Four alleged criminals faced their end in two separate shootouts with police in KwaZulu-Natal
- Two cash-in-transit robbery suspects were neutralized in Verulam and Ndwedwe
- Some suspects managed to escape in Verulam, prompting a widespread police manhunt
DURBAN — The streets of KwaZulu-Natal witnessed yet another chapter in the ongoing battle against crime as four cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery suspects met their end in two separate shootouts in Verulam and Ndwedwe on Friday, October 4, 2024. This latest development underscores the escalating tension between law enforcement and criminal elements in the region.
In Verulam, police officers engaged in a deadly confrontation with two CIT robbers, including a notorious mastermind who had been evading capture for months. The encounter unfolded in the New Glasgow area, where officers managed to track down and identify the suspects' vehicles during a nighttime operation.
Four CIT Suspects Neutralized in Verulam and Ndwedwe
The operation commenced when police officers spotted the suspects' vehicles traveling along New Glasgow Road. KZN police spokesperson Colonel Richard Netshiunda explained that officers attempted to stop the suspects after identifying their vehicles. However, one vehicle fled the scene, while the other complied with police orders to pull over.
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"A white single cab bakkie sped off, but a silver Toyota Corolla sedan pulled over as instructed. Unfortunately, the passenger in the sedan opened fire on the officers, prompting them to return fire in self-defense. Both suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange," Netshiunda stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the firearms recovered from the scene was a rifle stolen during a CIT robbery in Verulam in August 2024. Additionally, forensic investigators determined that the recovered pistol was a police-issued firearm with its serial number deliberately defaced, likely to conceal its origin.
"The 55-year-old suspect was wanted on a warrant issued in May 2024. He is believed to have been involved in at least 23 CIT robberies across the region," Netshiunda added.
Despite the success in neutralizing two suspects, several others managed to escape during the Verulam incident. Law enforcement has launched an extensive search operation to locate and apprehend these fugitives, ensuring that justice is served.
Two More Wanted Suspects Neutralized in Ndwedwe
Meanwhile, in Ndwedwe, a second shootout unfolded involving two additional CIT suspects. These individuals had previously evaded capture during an earlier encounter with police, but their luck ran out when they were confronted by a joint operational team comprising the Hawks' Tracking Team and Anti-Gang Unit, the Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT), Pietermaritzburg (PMB) K9 Unit, and Metro Police Special Operations Directorate.
When the suspects attempted to flee and opened fire on officers, the team responded decisively, subduing the suspects without suffering any casualties among law enforcement personnel. The swift and coordinated action of the team highlights the growing sophistication and effectiveness of police operations in the region.
Previous Gunfight in Mariannhill Claims Two More Suspects
In a related development, Briefly News reported that another deadly encounter unfolded in Mariannhill earlier in the week on Wednesday, October 2. During this confrontation, two suspects linked to a string of murders, extortion, and other serious crimes were neutralized by KZN police officers.
The growing frequency of these encounters underscores the urgency with which law enforcement agencies are tackling organized crime in KwaZulu-Natal. As the battle against criminal elements intensifies, the public remains hopeful that these efforts will lead to a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
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