Police hunt suspects after Greytown Station Commander is killed

KwaZulu-Natal police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their hunt for suspects who shot and killed a Station Commander and wounded another officer during a shootout near Greytown on Thursday afternoon.

Lieutenant Colonel was leading from the front when she and fellow officers responded to a business robbery in progress at a shop in Greytown. The shop owner had been shot and injured, while employees were assaulted during the robbery.

SAPS have not yet named her.

At least 10 suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Quantum. Police, led by the Station Commander and working alongside private security personnel, pursued the vehicle and caught up with the suspects on the R33 towards Msinga, said SAPS spokesperson, Col Robert Netshiunda.

A shootout followed, during which the Station Commander was shot and declared dead at the scene. A Sergeant was wounded in the arm and rushed to hospital for treatment.

Two suspects were shot and killed, while a third was wounded and arrested. He was taken to hospital under police guard.

Police recovered three firearms from the suspects – two rifles and a handgun. Other suspects managed to evade arrest and fled into the surrounding mountains.

Police vow to track down suspects

Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba said police would use every available resource to ensure those responsible for the Station Commander’s death were brought to justice.

“An attack on police officers is an attack on the State. Police will use every available resource to trace the suspects. The suspects will know no peace and police will hunt them day and night.

“On behalf of the management of police in KwaZulu-Natal and the entire workforce, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the fallen heroine. The least we can offer now is justice, and we shall find the suspects, dead or alive,” said Major General Makoba.