A pre-planned police sting operation saw multiple suspects killed and others arrested in Zimbali Estate, outside Durban, yesterday afternoon.

At around 15:00, members of the SAPS National Intervention Unit and Crime Intelligence Unit entered Zimbali to arrest a resident who was renting on the estate.

The suspect had been tracked as part of an ongoing investigation.

During the arrest, gunshots were exchanged and multiple suspects were killed.

Because the investigation is ongoing, specific details about the crime and number of deaths are currently being withheld.

Zimbali said they were aware of the case and assisted, but that the details of the operation were kept separate and handled by the specialised police units.

Following the incident, an internal estate memo by Zimbali Estate CEO Francois Schoeman was sent out to residents to inform them of what happened. The memo has since been widely shared.

“Though we may lack comprehensive details about the case, we find solace in knowing that our estate has been cleared of these criminal elements,” he said.

SAPS were contacted for comment, but none was received at time of publication.

Separate shooting incident

Meanwhile, in a separate incident approximately 50km away, a security officer sustained a gunshot injury following a shoot-out at Westwood Mall in Westville, Durban.

The incident also occurred around 15:00.

Highway Mail reported that the officer sustained gunshot wounds to his legs, and was in a serious condition. Paramedics stabilised him before he was taken to hospital.

Further details are not yet known, but police will be investigating the events leading up to the shooting.