Three of the four men wanted for the murder of acting Ndwedwe station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jabulani Ndawonde, were killed during a gun battle with police in Pietermaritzburg on Monday.

Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said the four men were seen travelling in Maqongqo, an area that falls under Bishopstowe policing precinct in Pietermaritzburg.

“The police tried to stop the suspects but they were met by a hail of bullets.

“During the gun battle, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled into the sugarcane fields.

Two suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire.

“One canine was shot dead and the other two canines were rushed to a veterinary clinic after they were shot by the group of thugs,” said Mbelel.

Police dogs Simba and Shaka both died, while Duke remains in a critical condition.

Two rifles and four pistols were recovered and the investigation conducted revealed that the suspect’s vehicle was stolen.

“The suspects were positively linked to the murder of the police officer as well as other string of murder cases committed in KwaNdengezi and surrounding areas.”

The police are still searching for the remaining suspect.

Lieutenant Colonel Jabulani Ndawonde was shot and killed near the Bhamshela taxi rank on 24 May.

The motive for his murder is still unknown.