Two suspects linked to a double murder were arrested after a shoot-out with police on Boxing Day (December 26).
The double murder happened six days earlier… At about 3.30pm on December 20, a vehicle with two occupants was found on the P10 road at Ntabamoya in Winterton. The occupants had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and a 30-year-old man was declared dead at the scene. A 37-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Murder charges were opened at Winterton SAPS and police combed the scene for leads in the case.
A multi-disciplinary operation was conducted in the Ngoba area of Bergville on December 26, as police searched for the suspects involved in the double murder.
A vehicle was spotted travelling through Ngoba and when police attempted to intercept the vehicle, they were met with a hail of bullets. During the ensuing shoot-out, two suspects were arrested. One of them was injured, and was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
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During a search of the vehicle, an unlicensed pistol was found concealed. Further charges of attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were opened for investigation.
A 22-year-old suspect is in police custody, while the other is in hospital under police guard.
The arrested suspects will be profiled to determine if they are linked to other cases in Winterton and surrounding areas. They are expected to appear in court soon.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, praised the team for the arrests and recovery of unlicensed firearms. “With festive season operations continuing throughout the province, criminals can expect to be nabbed as police officers remain on high alert,” he said.
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