Story Summary:
- KZN police and security teams engaged in a shootout with three hijacking suspects in Umlazi.
- Three suspects were killed during the gun battle.
- One police officer was injured but is in stable condition.
- A hijacked woman was safely recovered, and three guns were seized at the scene.
KZN police neutralised three hijacking suspects in a dramatic shootout in Umlazi, leading to the safe recovery of an abducted woman and the injury of one officer.
Umlazi shootout: KZN police claim another victory against alleged hijackers
In a dramatic escalation, KZN police and security teams engaged in an intense shootout with three hijacking suspects in Umlazi, resulting in the deaths of the suspects.
According to eNCA reporter Dasen Thathiah, the incident unfolded when a hijacked Hyundai i10 was spotted in Umlazi’s R-Section.
The suspects had thrown the victim out of the car before speeding off.
Responding swiftly, members from SAPS Umlazi detective branch, Umlazi Vispol, Fidelity SIU, ATS Security, and Mshazi Security pursued the vehicle.
Upon confronting the suspects, the police and security teams came under fire and returned fire, killing the suspects on the spot.
Moreover, three firearms were recovered at the scene, marking another significant victory for KZN police against criminal elements in the area.
While a statement is expected from KZN SAPS, the officers at the scene confirmed that one officer was shot and wounded during the gunfight but is in stable condition.
The woman who was hijacked was safely recovered, unharmed by the ordeal.
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.