Summary of the Story:
- Five suspects involved in murder and business robbery were shot dead by police in Cato Crest.
- The shootout occurred on Tuesday night, 30 July 2024.
- A multidisciplinary police team tracked the suspects to a rented flat.
- An AK47, three handguns, and drugs were recovered from the suspects.
- The suspects were linked to multiple criminal cases in the area.
Five suspects were killed by KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police in a deadly shooting in Cato Crest on Tuesday night.
KZN police neutralise five suspects in Cato Crest shooting
The incident, spearheaded by a multidisciplinary police team in KwaZulu-Natal, unfolded outside a rented double-storied flat on Standard Road.
The suspects, who were wanted for multiple murder and business robbery cases, were cornered by police who had gathered intelligence on their whereabouts.
Upon the police’s arrival and announcement of their presence, the suspects opened fire through the windows, prompting a fierce gunfight.
Once the gunfire ceased, five suspects were found fatally wounded. Police recovered an AK47 assault rifle, three handguns, and a quantity of drugs from the scene.
The suspects had been linked to four counts of murder, 13 cases of business robbery, and a carjacking within the Cato Manor and Durban Central precincts.
No police officers were injured during the operation, marking yet another significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against gang violence in the region.
KZN gangs losing the ballistic battle against police
This latest incident casts a shimmering spotlight on a growing trend in KwaZulu-Natal, where police have been engaging more frequently in violent confrontations with criminal elements.
Almost 50 suspects have been shot dead by police in KZN this year alone, highlighting the escalating tensions and the dangerous work facing law enforcement.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu expressed strong support for the police response, emphasising the necessity of self-defence for officers under fire.
“Fight fire with fire! If suspects pull weapons on cops, they must expect bullets in return. Clearly, KZN police take no nonsense. Some often criticize police, but they have to defend themselves. Why is there no outcry when law enforcement officials are gunned down? Dozens of SAPS members have been shot dead across the country this year. It’s a WAR and we must win it,” Mchunu stated.