Four suspects, allegedly linked to armed robberies and hijacking cases in the Durban North and Greenwood Park areas, were shot and killed during a law enforcement operation on Wednesday evening.

The gang of suspects were involved in a shoot-out with Marshall Security and the SAPS Phoenix Trio Crimes Unit in KwaMashu, where two others were arrested.

According to Marshall Security spokesperson Tyron Powell, the suspects were spotted in a silver Toyota Yaris – one that is linked to crimes in the area – as they were driving along Queen Nandi Drive.

“When the suspects noticed our Special Operations Team members following them, they immediately sped off and opened fire on our members, who then returned fire. Our members, together with the SAPS Phoenix Trio Crimes Unit, pursued the suspects into the Kwamashu B-section, where the driver of the Yaris lost control of the vehicle. He crashed into a taxi, and thereafter, a shoot-out ensued. Four suspects were shot and killed, and two suspects were arrested on scene.

“Upon searching the vehicle, two unlicensed firearms, both of which had the serial numbers removed, as well as a toy gun, were found, along with multiple cellphones and additional number plates that had been used in the commissions of other crimes,” he said.

The suspects are facing charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as being in possession of a hijacked motor vehicle.