Two suspects killed, third wounded in shootout with police

Two suspected armed robbers were shot dead and a third wounded during a shootout with police in KwaMsane in the early hours of Tuesday, following an armed robbery in the Hluhluwe area. KwaZulu-Natal police said officers had responded to a report of an armed robbery before tracking down a vehicle linked to the crime. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police in Hluhluwe received information from a robbery victim and immediately launched a search for the suspects.

“Police responded swiftly, and the vehicle, which matched the description as relayed by the victim, was spotted driving along the N2 southbound,” said Netshiunda. He said officers pursued the vehicle, with members of the uMkhanyakude District Task Team joining the operation. The chase continued from the Hluhluwe policing area to KwaMsane, where a shootout broke out between police and the suspects shortly after midnight.

“Three suspects were believed to have been fatally wounded,” said Netshiunda. The third suspect woke up when the forensics were taking photographs, and he was rushed to the hospital under police guard. Police recovered three firearms from the suspects following the shootout. Authorities believe at least three other suspects managed to escape during the confrontation and remain at large.