Two suspects were shot and killed in Zimbali Estate yesterday after they opened fire on police during a pre-planned sting operation.

The suspects, two men aged 30 and 41, were allegedly linked to a mass shooting in Richard’s Bay, which left five dead in a shopping mall parking lot on Tuesday morning.

As reported by the Courier last night, members of the Saps National Intervention Unit and Crime Intelligence Unit had tracked the suspects to Zimbali and entered the estate at around 3pm to arrest them.

“The tactically astute police officers penetrated the residence and before they knew it they found themselves under gunfire from the suspects,” said provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

“Police retaliated and at the end of the shootout, two suspects were found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds.”

https://www.citizen.co.za/north-coast-courier/211805/multiple-suspects-killed-in-zimbali-sting-operation/

He said that six firearms and more than a thousand rounds of ammunition were found on site.

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate was summoned to the scene for further investigations. Police investigations into the matter continue and a search for more possible suspects is ongoing,” said Netshiunda.

The Zimbali operation followed a manhunt for five suspects in the shooting in Richard’s Bay.

Per a police statement on the day, the suspects were believed to have fled the scene in a blue VW Polo.

The motive for the shooting had not been established on Tuesday, but police said a drug-related turf war could not be ruled out.

Provincial SAPS had not responded to a further request for comment.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0