Three suspects were fatally wounded in a shootout with police on Tuesday in Amaoti, Inanda, following an intelligence-led operation targeting a gang linked to multiple murders in the area.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, officers acted on information that three gang members were hiding in a house in the area. When police arrived, the suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting a shootout in which all three were killed.
“Our officers were following up on information regarding a group of gang members terrorizing the community, primarily through murder cases,” Netshiunda said. “When we arrived, they fired at police through the window, leading to an exchange of gunfire.”
Police recovered three firearms at the scene, including one linked to over 20 murder cases through a distinct cartridge. The weapons will undergo ballistic testing to determine connections to other crimes.
This incident follows a separate police operation in Hammersdale less than 24 hours earlier, where five suspects were shot dead in connection with the murders of two police officers. However, Netshiunda confirmed that the two cases are not linked.
The Amaoti gang has been under investigation for over a year due to a surge in killings in the area. Last month, four suspects were arrested in KwaMashu, leading police to pursue additional members.
Community tip-offs played a crucial role in locating the suspects. Authorities have urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement to combat gang violence.
