A suspect, sought for the murder of a police officer, was fatally wounded when he allegedly attempted to kill more police officers at his hideout in Inanda near Durban on Tuesday.

The suspect is believed to be one of two responsible for the murder of Constable Lindokuhle Gift Goba of the Durban K9 Unit, who was shot and robbed of his service pistol on Quarry Road in Mayville on January 14.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says the K9 Unit, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Anti-Gang Unit, and the DPCI National Priority Violent Crime were pursuing the suspect when the shootout ensued.

“Investigations led the police to a hospital to which two suspects were privately rushed to with gunshot wounds [allegedly] from the shootout with the fallen police officer. One suspect succumbed to his injuries in hospital and further investigations revealed the other suspect had discharged himself and escaped from the hospital ward,” Netshiunda says.

He adds that police identified a house in Inanda where the suspect was cornered.

“After the police had introduced and identified themselves as men of law, the suspect responded with a hail of bullets and a shootout ensued. During the shootout, the suspect was fatally wounded,” says Netshiunda.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate was informed for further investigations.