The KZN Hawks confirmed that a known criminal linked to the murder of a National Intervention Unit (NIU) member in Ntuzuma, was shot dead in Durban.

The NIU member, Warrant Officer Sthembiso Mazibuko, was shot and killed in a shoot-out with suspects at a house in Ntuzuma C Section last week.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed that the suspect was shot dead during the shoot-out at Inanda on Tuesday.

“One firearm with live rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. A case of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition and inquest was reported at Inanda Police Station,” says Mhlongo.

When Mazibuko was killed, four people who were in the house, two men and two women, were also killed.

Another police officer also suffered gunshot wounds and was rushed to hospital for immediate medical attention.

Of the suspects who were shot dead, one of them was on the police’s list of most wanted suspects in connection with at least 12 murders which he allegedly committed from September to date, in the Durban North areas. Some of his victims were members of the Community Policing Forum.

Mazibuko was buried on Sunday.