Five suspects were fatally wounded in a shootout with police in the early hours of yesterday morning at a commercial property in Chatsworth. The incident occurred following an intelligence-led operation targeting a group wanted for a series of serious crimes.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the confrontation took place at the Pump House, a commercial venue located near the Hidden Highway. Police officers were acting on information regarding the suspects’ whereabouts. The group was wanted in connection with multiple cases, including house robberies and the illegal possession of firearms, with crimes committed in the areas of Mpumalanga Township and Mariannhill.
“As police arrived, announcing their presence, the suspects opened fire towards the police,” Colonel Netshiunda stated. The ensuing gunfight resulted in all five suspects being fatally wounded.
Netshiunda confirmed that no police officers sustained any injuries during the exchange, crediting their technical skill in navigating the dangerous situation. A search of the scene, which was ongoing at the time of his statement, had already yielded the recovery of three firearms. One of the weapons was identified as a homemade firearm.
When asked if any other suspects were being sought, the Colonel indicated that police believe more than five individuals may have been involved in the criminal cases. “The search continues and our intelligence is on the ground,” he said, confirming that efforts to locate and arrest any additional suspects are underway. The police team is combing the scene for further clues and working to ballistically link the recovered firearms to other crimes.
The operation marks a significant development in the investigation into the robberies that have been terrorizing local communities.
