By Nicole McCain.
Eight suspected robbers have been killed in a shootout with KwaZulu-Natal police.
Police believe they were on their way to rob a foreign-owned shop in Esikhawini, according to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
Police intercepted them just before midnight on Thursday.
“Police operationalised intelligence about the suspects, and their vehicle was spotted driving along the John Ross Highway towards Richards Bay. The police intercepted them and signalled for the driver to stop,” said Netshiunda.
But the driver ignored the police’s instructions and sped off.
“A high-speed vehicle chase ensued, and the suspects started firing shots towards the police. Police returned fire, and during the shootout, eight suspects were shot and fatally wounded,” Netshiunda said.
They were reportedly linked to a recent cash-in-transit robbery in Mzingazi.
Netshiunda added that they were found in possession of three firearms, two replica guns and housebreaking implements.
“Investigations are under way to ascertain if the firearms are linked to other crime scenes,” he said.
The shootout brings to 10 the total number of suspects killed during shootouts this week.
On Wednesday, one suspect was killed in a shootout with police at F Section in Umlazi.
“Police were searching for suspects who were wanted for a string of murder and cash-in-transit robbery cases when they received information about the suspects’ whereabouts. When police arrived at a residence at F Section, two suspects opened fire towards the police and during a resultant shootout, one suspect was shot and fatally wounded and the other one ran into the darkness and narrowly evaded arrest,” Netshiunda said.
In another incident on Thursday, a person was killed during an “altercation with police”, he said. Two others were arrested at F Section in KwaMashu.
“Police had responded to reports of a vehicle which was hijacked in Phoenix. The hijacked vehicle was spotted at KwaMashu with three occupants. At the sight of police officers, one suspect got out of the vehicle and ran on foot while shooting at police officers. Police gave chase, and after the shootout, the suspect was found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds.”