An apparent hit at a school in the area of Newlands East, Durban, led to a shootout and police chase on Wednesday.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said police officers received intelligence of a possible hit that was going to be carried out at the school. He explained the information was relayed to officers from the provincial vehicle and trio task team.

“While the police officers were patrolling the area, they spotted the vehicle used by the hitmen. Police officers who attempted to pull the vehicle over were met with gunfire from the occupants of the vehicle.

“Following a shootout, the suspects fled in their vehicle with police officers in pursuit. When the men were cornered at a dead-end, two suspects alighted from the vehicle and fled into the bushes. The driver of the vehicle passed away due to injuries sustained during the shootout,” said Naicker.

He added that police recovered an automatic rifle, two pistols, two two-way radios and 40 rounds of ammunition in the suspect’s vehicle.

Naicker said an investigation is underway to establish the identities of the two men who fled so that they can be brought to book. Police are investigating cases of attempted murder as well as the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition against the men.

Deputy provincial commissioner for Visible Policing Major General Phumelele Makoba applauded police officers for following up on information that was received from the community.

“The collaboration between police and the community at Newlands East must be celebrated and we appeal for other communities in the province who are experience such violent crimes to do the same. If we are going to win the war against crime, communities need to expose these criminals even if they are your friends or relatives,” she said.

Makoba appealed to anyone with information with regards to criminal activities to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or report criminality anonymously via the MySAPSApp.