Five suspected hitmen, who were allegedly on their way to commit murder, were arrested in Cato Manor in Durban yesterday. Police are hopeful that they will be linked to other murder investigations after a spike in hits in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

KZN Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and the provincial MEC of Community Safety Sipho Hlomuka were at the scene.

Addressing the media at the crime scene, Hlumuka said information given to the police was that the hit-squad were on their way to kill a high-profile person in eThekwini.

KZN police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said the police were on the ground when they were informed about suspicious vehicles in the area that, according to an informant, were on their way “to make a hit”.

Police have confirmed the discovery of a number of illegal firearms including AK47s at the scene.

Naicker said the three vehicles the suspects were travelling in had been identified as stolen.

He added that what will unfold after this arrest was of more importance as he was positive that it will lead to more charges.

“Fingerprints and DNA will link them to other ongoing murder investigations.”