KwaDukuza police wound suspect in shootout

Bullets flew on the N2 at KwaDukuza yesterday when police intercepted four men attempting to rob a truck driver next to the highway.

The KwaDukuza police had received word of an armed robbery at a truck stop where the driver was allegedly robbed by men armed with knives and firearms.

When the police arrived they spotted four men approaching another truck on the other side of the freeway.

The men opened fire and the police retaliated, injuring one of the men and he was arrested.

He was taken to a local hospital for medical attention under police guard.

The 35-year-old male has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of a dangerous weapon.

He will also be linked to the robbery of the truck driver.

SAPS spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane said in a press release that the seized firearm will be taken to ballistics to ascertain if it was used in any other crime in the country.

The man will appear in KwaDukuza Magistrates’ Court as soon as he is discharged from hospital.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni praised KwaDukuza police for their swift response which led to the arrest and the recovery of the firearm.

“We are confident that the remaining suspects will be arrested soon. Whenever we are faced with criminals while executing our duties, we will not deter but fight fire with fire so that we can protect the citizens of this country that we serve. And I am glad that SAPS members were not injured during the shooting,” she said.