The KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa has noted with concerned how dangerous criminals attack police who are performing their duties.
“Our police officers always come under attack when approaching armed suspects and that cannot be tolerated. The police will defends themselves if attacked by these heavily armed suspects. It is obvious that these criminals have no mercy and shoot anyone that comes in their way,” he said.
On the night of 28 February 2018, at 21.30 it is alleged that an ATM machine at one of the shopping centre at Madadeni was blown up by the suspects. Local police were immediately notified and responded to the explosion. A shootout between the police and the criminals ensued.
During the shooting, it is alleged that three bystanders were shot and wounded, and were taken to hospital for treatment where one of them passed away. The suspects managed to escape in their getaway vehicle towards Utrecht road.
Police continued chasing the suspects and reinforcements were called in from neighbouring police stations and units. It is alleged that while police officers attempted to stop the same vehicle along the Utrecht road, the suspects open fire towards police. No one was injured and the suspects managed to escape again proceeding towards KwaMdakane area near Dannhauser.
While at KwaMdakane area, police surrounded a homestead where the suspects fled to whilst being chased by the police. As police approached the homestead, they came under attack again. The suspects allegedly fired shots at police.
During the exchange of gunfire two suspects were fatally wounded. Three firearms, a R5 rifle, an AK47 rifle and a pistol were recovered from the scene. Cases of armed robbery, murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition were opened for further investigation.
A manhunt is underway for those suspects who managed to escape during the shootout.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
