A multi-agency law enforcement operation resulted in the fatal shooting of a suspect allegedly linked to the attempted assassination of Newcastle Municipality’s senior executive director for co-operative services, Dr Prince Dumisani Thabethe.

Newcastle Advertiser reports that the shooting happened in Gauteng this morning

Police sources have confirmed that the suspect was also allegedly linked to a series of targeted killings across KZN, including the murder of a well-known taxi boss in Ezakheni.

SAPS sources who spoke to the Newcastle Advertiser on condition of anonymity told the newspaper that SAPS Crime Intelligence had received information about a suspect who had travelled from Gauteng to KZN to carry out a series of planned hits.

Attempt on Thabethe’s life

Thabethe was on his way to work early on Monday with two bodyguards when their vehicle came under gunfire at the entrance to Kilbarchan. Four armed suspects opened fire on the vehicle, wounding Thabethe and his two bodyguards, who are in critical condition in hospital.

Intelligence gathered thereafter indicated that the attack was a planned hit targeting Thabethe.

High-speed chase ends in fatal shoot-out

The attempted assassination prompted a co-ordinated operation involving specialised tracking teams, Crime Intelligence, canine units, traffic air support and private security partners to locate and arrest the suspect.

This morning, law enforcement officers moved into the Ladysmith area to apprehend him. As officers closed in, the suspect allegedly fled onto the freeway, speeding towards Gauteng.

Police tracked the suspect to Gauteng, where he allegedly became aware that he was being followed. He allegedly refused to stop, sped through several red traffic lights and forced other motorists off the road during a high-speed chase of about 20km.

During the pursuit, the suspect allegedly opened fire on officers, who returned fire. The suspect’s vehicle reportedly overturned, and he was fatally wounded during the ensuing shoot-out.

A pistol and a grey Nissan Magnite were recovered at the scene, with information indicating that the vehicle may have been used in the attempted hit on Thabethe.

KZN Hawks confirm shooting

KZN Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed the shooting. “According to the information we have been given, the suspect is believed to have been involved in Dr Thabethe’s shooting. The remaining three suspects are still at large,” said Mhlongo.

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