At 09:00 police at Ntuzuma received a report of a cigarette delivery vehicle that was hijacked in the area. Police responded and spotted the hijacked vehicle with four robbers inside. The suspects opened fire on police and police officers returned fire causing the suspects to stop the vehicle and flee on foot.
Members of the K9 Unit and Flying Squad arrived to assist their colleagues and chased the suspects on foot into the Lindelani area. The suspects continued to shoot at police resulting in two police members and a police dog being shot. The suspects then fled into some informal dwellings in the area and during the subsequent shootout, one suspect was fatally wounded and one was injured. The injured constables and police dog Champ were taken for treatment.
Two firearms were recovered by police during the shootout. Police at Ntuzuma are investigating cases of armed robbery, attempted murder and inquest. A manhunt is underway for the remaining two men.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni commended Ntuzuma Police as well as the K9 Unit and Flying Squad for their bravery and resilience when confronted by ruthless criminals. “I want to also commend the community who openly directed police to the route the suspects used. We are confident that the two remaining men will be found soon,” she said.
Also view:
Crime as a Threat to Road Safety
Truck Hijackings , Crime and Road Safety
