Nine men, who allegedly robbed a business in Newcastle yesterday morning, were shot during a shoot-out with police in Seven Oaks, Grey Town, yesterday.
Captain Shooz Magudulela, Newcastle SAPS spokesperson, said a factory had been robbed during the early hours of yesterday morning, November 20, when the suspects stole clothing, computers, television sets and DVDs.
He said the suspects escaped after the robbery and it could not be confirmed if these were the same suspects shot, until investigations were complete.
The shoot-out allegedly occurred after Pietermaritzburg (PMB) Crime Intelligence, Durban K9 Unit, PMB Highway Patrol, the PMB Flying Squad and the PMB Hawks received information that the suspects had been seen in Grey Town.
Major Thulani Zwane, SAPS Corporate Communications officer, said that when the police had attempted to stop the suspects, the men opened fire.
“The officers retaliated, fatally wounding six of the suspects. Three suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital under police guard,” he said.
Three rifles and two hand guns were confiscated from the suspects.
Two vehicles were recovered at the scene and another was found abandoned near Pinetown.
A manhunt for the remaining suspects, who fled the scene in a fourth vehicle is ongoing.
“It is suspected the suspects were involved in police attacks and robberies reported especially in the North Coast areas,” Major Zwane said.
Charges of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened for investigation at Greytown SAPS.
The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.
“We reiterate that our mission is to selflessly protect all the citizens of KwaZulu-Natal from criminals. We warn criminals that the police will overcome any resistance to effect arrests and will not hesitate to decisively defend themselves when attacked during the execution of their duties. Police officers face the possibility of being killed, everyday when putting on their uniforms and going out to serve their community. Such attacks will not deter us from carrying out our mandate. We congratulate the team for the recovery of the unlicensed firearms,”said Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni.
