Five suspects were gunned down following a shoot-out with police in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal, on Monday morning, 8 September, at the Pumphouse informal settlement.
The suspects were linked to numerous crimes, including murder, attempted murder, and house robberies.
Police cracked down on them following an intelligence-led operation.
FIREARMS RECOVERED
According to KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, when officers announced their presence, the suspects opened fire. Netshiunda confirmed that none of the police officers were injured during the exchange.
“Police operationalised intelligence about the whereabouts of the suspects who were wanted for cases of murder, house robberies, extortion and possession of unlicensed firearms. They allegedly committed in the areas of Mpumalanga township, Mariannhill, KwaNdengezi and UmsunduzI,” said Netshiunda.
Three firearms, including a homemade gun, were recovered at the scene. The youngest suspect was 17 years old, while one of the deceased was a foreign national. Police are still searching for other suspects who have been terrorising communities in the area.
POLICE TIGHTEN GRIP WITH OPERATION SHANELA
This incident comes as police in the province continue to make arrests through Operation Shanela. In August alone, 93 suspects were arrested for rape, and 124 others for various crimes in KwaZulu-Natal.
A total of 28 firearms were confiscated during police operations in the province. This marks the fourth consecutive week that police in KZN have recovered a high number of firearms. Between 5 and 10 August 2024, 20 guns were seized.
DO YOU THINK POLICE OPERATIONS ARE MAKING COMMUNITIES IN KZN SAFER?
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