A gang of armed suspects, believed to have been involved in a robbery in Empageni as well as a high-speed chase and shoot-out on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal where several of them were killed and injured, have since been linked to a string of business robberies in uMhlanga.

Five suspects, in two getaway vehicles, were fatally injured in the incident stretching between the Tongaat Toll Plaza and the King Shaka Airport off-ramp yesterday.

Two suspects were critically wounded in the incident and a third was arrested by the dog unit.

One of those later died from his gunshot injuries, bringing the total number of suspects fatally shot to six.

“These suspects have been linked to robberies at dealerships in the uMhlanga area. Police were also linking them to other incidents in and around Durban. In all, eight suspects were involved in the incident, and six were killed while two others were arrested. The sixth suspect died this morning due to the nature of his injuries,” says Marshall Security’s Tyron Powell.

SAPS provincial spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, confirmed three firearms, as well as house-breaking equipment and other exhibits, were found in both vehicles.

“This incident demonstrates the need for police to work very closely with other force multipliers, including security companies and the business sector,” Naicker says.

Video footage emerged on Wednesday showing the eight suspects breaking into a mall in Empangeni.

“They held up the security guard and broke into a shop at the mall. The suspects stole clothing and various other items before fleeing the scene. Both vehicles lost control and overturned along the N2 freeway near the King Shaka International Airport. Dockets for armed robbery, attempted murder, as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition will be opened against the surviving men,” he says.