Six suspected robbers shot dead by police – confirmed
It is suspected the suspects are involved in the police attacks and robberies reported especially in the North Coast areas.
Six suspected robbers were shot dead by members of the SAPS Task Force and other units near Greytown on Friday afternoon.
Another three were wounded and are in hospital under police guard.
In a statement police said that at about 11.3am on Friday, at Seven Oaks, Greytown, members of the Task force, PMB Crime Intelligence, Durban K9 Unit, PMB Highway Patrol, PMB Flying Squad and PMB Hawks were following information about a group of armed males who were suspected to be involved in the robbery that took place in Newcastle. The members spotted four suspect’s vehicles fitting the description of the suspects involved in the robbery. When trying to stop them, the shooting ensued and the members retaliated fatally wounding six suspects. Three suspects sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to hospital under police guard.
Three rifles and two hand guns were recovered from the suspects. Two vehicles were recovered at the scene and another was found abandoned near Pinetown area. The manhunt for the fleeing suspects who fled in the fourth vehicle is ongoing. It is suspected the suspects are involved in the police attacks and robberies reported especially in the North Coast areas. Charges of inquest, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunitions have been opened for investigation at Greytown SAPS. The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing.
“We reiterate that our mission to selflessly protect all the citizens of our KwaZulu-Natal province from the criminals. We again warn the criminals that the police will overcome any resistance to effect arrests and will not hesitate to decisively defend themselves when attacked in the execution of their duties. Every day our police officers face the possibility of being killed when the put on their uniform and go out to serve their community. Such attacks on police officers 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.
