A police sergeant was among three suspected armed robbers shot and killed in two separate incidents in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu Natal this afternoon.
The situation began early Sunday when six suspects, some wearing police uniforms or parts of them, raided a store in Richmond. They threatened the shop owner and staff at gunpoint, stealing firearms, cash, and other items.
Police quickly tracked the suspects’ getaway vehicles to a house on Mgwenya Avenue in Lindelani. When the suspects noticed the police, they opened fire while trying to flee. Two suspects were shot and killed at the scene. Both were found wearing police gear, including a bulletproof vest and a police firearm. A police officer’s vehicle, reported off duty earlier in the day, was also found at the location.
Subsequently, police received a tip-off about an injured police officer hiding in a shack at Phindangene informal settlement in Ntuzuma B. When police arrived, the sergeant fired at them and was killed in the shootout. It was discovered that the sergeant was connected to the stolen police firearm and vehicle found earlier.
A manhunt is underway for the remaining three suspects. The house where the suspects were found belongs to a known cash-in-transit robbery suspect currently out on bail. Authorities are also investigating if the police sergeant was involved in other criminal activities.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi condemned the incident and warned that police involved in criminal acts will face severe consequences.
Anyone with information about the suspects is asked to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.