Stock thieves nabbed with firearms during a cross fire with police

DURBAN – Police officers from the Mariannhill Task Team acted on information about criminals who were driving a vehicle in the Mariannhill policing precinct.

The said vehicle was spotted along Thornwood Road and a chase ensued. During the high-speed chase, the suspects opened fire at the police officers and there was a shoot-out. The suspect’s vehicle was jammed by oncoming traffic and it hit a pole. Three suspects aged between 22 and 25 were placed under arrest. They were found in possession of two unlicensed firearms and ten rounds of ammunition. A stolen goat was also found in the suspect’s vehicle.

The investigation revealed that the goat was stolen in Panekeni area. Two suspects are in the hospital under police guard and the third suspect is in police custody. A 22-year-old suspect will appear before Pinetown Magistrate’s Court tomorrow whilst the other two will appear once they are discharged from the hospital. Charges of attempted murder, possession of the stolen property, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition are being investigated.

The Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thulani Gonya welcomed the arrest of the suspects. “I am glad that the police officers escaped unscathed during the shoot-out. The suspects will also be profiled to check their linkages with other cases,” he said.

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