- Three suspects wanted for at least ten murders were killed in a shootout with police in KwaDlangezwa, Empangeni.
- The shootout occurred early on Friday, 26 July 2024, when police attempted to apprehend the suspects.
- The suspects were linked to an ATM bombing in Esikhaleni the previous day.
Three suspects wanted for several crimes were fatally shot during a confrontation with police in KwaDlangezwa, Empangeni, early on Friday, 26 July 2024.
KwaDlangezwa suspects were wanted for at least 10 murders
According to authorities, the three suspects killed in the shootout were linked to a string of at least 10 murders.
In a statement, KZN top cop Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed that a multidisciplinary team acted on intelligence indicating the suspects’ hideout.
When police announced their presence, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout that left all three suspects fatally wounded.
The suspects were also connected to an ATM bombing in Esikhaleni the previous day, which resulted in the death of one of their accomplices.
During the confrontation, police recovered two firearms from the suspects.
No officers were wounded in the incident. The crime scene was still being searched for additional evidence.
Mkhwanazi reiterated the police’s stance on such encounters.
“Police officers have a mandate to arrest and bring perpetrators to justice, however, if police find themselves under gunfire, the only option they have in order to come out alive is through the return of fire,” said Mkhwanazi.
