A murder suspect was fatally shot by police in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, after a confrontation at a property in D Section.
KZN police kill alleged suspect in Umlazi
Authorities had been attempting to arrest the man, who was also wanted for intimidation when he allegedly opened fire on officers.
According to police, the suspect ran back inside the house while continuing to shoot. Officers returned fire, striking and killing him. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
This incident follows a string of fatal police shootouts in the province.
On 27 February 2025, three suspects were shot and killed in Msinga when police responded to intelligence about illegal firearms.
According to reports, officers from the Pietermaritzburg POP unit and Umzinyathi District came under fire upon arrival, prompting them to retaliate.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that two AK-47 rifles, a revolver, and multiple rounds of ammunition were recovered.
“The officers acted swiftly to neutralise the threat, ensuring no harm came to law enforcement personnel,” Netshiunda stated.
There has been growing scrutiny over the increasing number of fatal police shootouts in the province, with questions growing about the use of lethal force by law enforcement.
While many support police action against armed criminals, legal experts emphasise that such incidents must be thoroughly investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
However, the watchdog has yet to issue statements on the recent cases in KwaZulu-Natal.
Swisher Post contacted IPID for comment on how it is handling these incidents, but no response has been received.
