DURBAN – Last night at 19:15, police officers from Durban District were patrolling Bellair Road towards Cato Manor when they spotted suspects busy firing shots.
The police officers approached the said suspects but they ran towards the Cato Crest informal settlement whilst firing shots at the police officers. A pistol with eight rounds of ammunition was found on the road. During the exchange of gunfire, police officers was shot and wounded on his right thigh. He was taken to hospital for medical attention. One of the suspects aged 27 was found dead in a nearby passage. A pistol was found next to his body.
A further search was conducted at the informal settlement and three suspects aged between 22 and 32 were placed under arrest. During the arrest, one of the suspects was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The suspects will be profiled to check if they are linked to other serious cases reported in Cato Manor and surrounding areas. They are expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court tomorrow on charges of attempted murder as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
“Criminals should know that police officer will defend themselves when they are under attack. I wish the police officer that sustained injuries whilst executing duties, a speedy recovery,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.