2 killed in shootout with police on N2, Durban

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has expressed relief that police officers who engaged in a shootout with fleeing suspects on the N2, on Tuesday night, have escaped without injury.

Colonel Thembeka Mbhele of the KZN SAPS media centre said police officers from Durban Central K9 unit acted on information about a car which had been stolen from near King Shaka International Airport and was travelling south on the N2.

“The said vehicle was seen travelling on the N2 south bound in the Bellair policing precinct,” said Mbele adding that police officers intercepting the vehicle were met by a hail of bullets.

“During the exchange of gunfire, two suspects believed to be in their 30s, were fatally wounded. An illegal firearm with four rounds of ammunition was found next to one of the deceased suspects,” said Mbele.

“The third suspect managed to escape and is still being sought by police,” said Mbele adding that the stolen vehicle was also recovered at the scene of the shooting.

“Charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of stolen vehicle and an inquest docket were opened at Bellair SAPS,” she said.

Bellair SAPS communications officer, Sgt Pam Pillay confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that staff from Bellair SAPS had not been present at the incident.