The police in KwaZulu-Natal are looking for a suspect following a shootout on the Higginson Highway in Durban in which four suspects were killed on Wednesday.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala said security officials spotted a vehicle suspected to be involved in various robberies in the Durban area on Wednesday morning.

“The vehicle was spotted at the corner of Cowey and Clarens Roads and the suspects sped off upon seeing security personnel. A chase ensued towards the N2 off-ramp, south bound towards the Higginson Highway. Police officers from the K9 Unit, airwing and other-role players joined the chase.”

According to Gwala the suspects’ vehicle crashed with a truck on the Higginson Highway where a shootout ensued.

“During the exchange of gunfire, four suspects were fatally wounded. Three pistols were seized from the suspects. The fifth suspect was taken to hospital where he is under police guard.”

Preliminary investigations conducted at the scene revealed that the same vehicle was used in a number of robberies in Durban and Richards Bay. The recovered vehicle was hijacked in Pinetown during December 2021.

“Signal jamming devices were also found inside the suspects’ vehicle. One of the suspects managed to flee the scene and is still being sought by police,” she added.

Charges of inquest, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms and possession of a stolen vehicle are being investigated by Chatsworth SAPS.