In a dramatic turn of events, a shootout between armed robbery suspects and the police in Newlands East, Durban, resulted in the deaths of two suspects on Wednesday morning.
Durban courier van robbery: Two suspects killed in shootout
The incident unfolded after a courier vehicle was targeted and robbed in Paddock.
Brigadier Jay Naicker, the spokesperson for the KZN police, confirmed in a statement that the suspects made off with electronic devices and other valuable items from the courier vehicle, which was travelling along the N2 Highway in the early hours.
Shortly thereafter, authorities discovered the suspects in the act of “offloading their loot” in the vicinity. However, when instructed to surrender, they brazenly disregarded the police’s warnings and instead opened fire.
The exchange of gunfire ensued, with law enforcement officers forced to defend themselves.
Tragically, two of the suspects were fatally wounded in the shootout.
The remaining suspect was successfully apprehended by the authorities. Additionally, during the operation, two firearms believed to have been used by the suspects were seized at the scene.
Investigations into the incident are underway, as authorities seek to gather further evidence and establish the full extent of the robbery and any potential connections to other criminal activities.
The identity of the surviving suspect remains unknown at this time. He faces several charges, including armed robbery with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and gun possession among others.
As the details surrounding the case continue to unfold, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) have been summoned to the scene for further investigations,”Brig Naicker confirmed.