On Friday morning Nkandla Police responded to burglary at a business premises in the area. When they arrived at the shop police found that the suspects were still inside the premises and Ulundi Tactical Response Team was called as backup. When police tried to enter the premises the suspects opened fire on police wounding two members.
Police returned fire and in the ensuing gun battle two suspects were fatally wounded. It is believed that a third suspect managed to flee during the shootout.
The two police officers that were Injured were taken to a local hospital for medical attention. One member was treated and released and the other is still in hospital. It is further alleged that the suspects assaulted a security guard before breaking into the shop. The security guard was also taken to hospital for medical attention. One of the suspects was found in possession of an AK 47 rifle.
Police have opened cases of burglary at a business premises, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and inquest for further investigation.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni expressed her concern that in most cases criminals are not submitting to arrest when they are caught red handed and are prepared to kill police officers to avoid incarceration. “Police will not hesitate to defend themselves against these dangerous suspects and we are not prepared to lose more members in the line of duty. Our Festive Season operations are bearing fruits and many criminal groupings have been arrested on route to commit crimes or during the commission of crimes,” she said.