POLICE shot and killed five suspects on Sunday evening who were wanted for the murder of a couple in the Hammarsdale area.

It was reported that the suspects are also linked to the murder of two police officers.

According to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda the suspects were wanted for the murder of a 66-year-old man who was shot and killed at his home at Ekwandeni area on Saturday last week.

Netshiunda said the man had survived a hail of bullets in January.

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“His wife was shot and killed at their home in February this year.”

On Sunday evening, May 11, the police spokesperson said their members gathered intelligence about the suspects who were driving along the Mophela main road.

“Police caught up with the suspects and signalled for them to stop. The suspects ignored police instructions and instead opened fire towards law enforcement officers.

“Police returned fire and during the shootout, five suspects were shot and fatally wounded. A thorough search was yet to be conducted inside the suspects’ vehicle, however three firearms were found in the possession of the suspects,” said Netshiunda.

He added that investigations are continuing and there are possibilities that the suspects could be linked to more violent crimes.