Three suspects were killed last night in Mariannhill, KZN, when a shoot-out ensued between them and the police.

It is alleged that the suspects were sought after hijacking a vehicle that was loaded with home appliances on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says on Tuesday afternoon, a man was hijacked of his Hyundai H1 delivery vehicle, that was loaded with home appliances, on Intake Road in Mariannhill. The value of the items is not known.

“The police’s intelligence traced the hijacked vehicle to Klaarwater Hostel in Mariannhill, and information indicated that the suspects were loading the hijacked goods into a bakkie,” says Netshiunda.

He adds that when police approached the area, they spotted the identified bakkie and signalled for the driver to stop, however, the driver ignored the police’s instructions and sped off. The police gave chase.

“During the high-speed vehicle chase, the suspects started firing shots at the police, and a shoot-out ensued.

“The suspect’s vehicle came to a standstill on the corner of Henry Pennington Road and Ndwandwe Street in Klaarwater, Mariannhill.”

Three suspects died during the shoot-out. They were found in possession of two firearms, with the serial numbers filed off, and several rounds of ammunition.

While the police vehicle had bullet holes in the bonnet, no police officers were injured.