One suspect killed, two arrested after shootout with police in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal acting provincial police commissioner Major-General Bheki Langa has praised police officers who went toe-to-toe in a shootout with armed robbery suspects in Chatsworth on Monday.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said at about 6.30pm Monday, a businessman and his brother were at a shop on Nomzamo Mandela Road in Welbedacht East when they were approached by a group of seven armed suspects.

“It is alleged that they were held up at gunpoint and robbed of cash and airtime vouchers from the shop,” Zwane said.

Police were alerted to the robbery and immediately responded. According to Zwane, the suspects shot the businessman in the chest and also opened fire on police when they arrived on the scene.

“Police returned fire, fatally wounding one suspect. The other suspects managed to flee and the Durban Flying Squad, as well as the Durban K9 Unit, responded and began searching for the suspects,” he said.

“Members of the community were actively assisting police during the operation, and two suspects were located hiding in a nearby house. The two men were arrested. One of them had sustained a gunshot wound during the shootout at the crime scene. He was taken to hospital and is under police guard. Four suspects are still at large and police are continuing with the search for them.”

A case of robbery and attempted murder was opened at Chatsworth Police Station for further investigation. The two suspects who were arrested are 17 and 19 years old, and will appear in the Chatsworth Magistrates’ Court soon.

Langa praised the police officers who “were brave enough to face the barrel of the gun when confronted with criminals”.

He said: “Our members were able survive by using their skills and tactics during the shootout with the criminals in Chatsworth. We have previously warned criminals not to shoot at our police officers, but to rather surrender to police when they are approached. Our police officers have been trained to defend themselves when attacked by criminals.

“Our detectives will work around the clock in tracing those that are still at large. We also wish to thank members of the community who assisted police in arresting the two suspects. We further appeal to the community to continue working closely with the police in fighting crime in their area.”