Two fugitives believed to be involved in cash-in-transit robberies, housebreakings, and farm attacks were on Saturday killed in a shoot-out with police in Verulam outside Durban.

Police preliminary investigations reveal that the deceased men were among the 15 suspects who attempted to kill Tactical Response Team (TRT) members during a foiled cash-in-transit robbery in Nkandla in August 2019.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says both suspects were arrested a day after the incident and appeared in court.

“They were released on bail, and they absconded,” he says.

Netshiunda explains that during Saturday’s police operation on Jabu Ngcobo Drive, they intercepted the suspects’ vehicle.

“When the suspects noticed the police presence, they started firing shots towards police. Cops retaliated and a shoot-out ensued.

“A third suspect narrowly evaded arrest and fled from the scene in possession of a rifle. A manhunt is already underway. Two illegal firearms were found next to the deceased,” he says.

The operation was conducted by various police units, including the TRT, and private security companies.