A multi-agency law enforcement operation resulted in the fatal shooting in Gauteng this morning of a suspect allegedly linked to the attempted assassination of Newcastle Municipality’s senior executive director for co-operative services, Dr Prince Dumisani Thabethe.

Police sources have confirmed that the suspect was also allegedly linked to a series of targeted killings across KwaZulu-Natal, including the murder of a well-known taxi boss in Ezakheni.

A credible source close to the investigation, who spoke to the Advertiser on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case, said Crime Intelligence had received information that the suspect had travelled from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal to carry out a number of planned hits.

Attempt on Dr Thabethe’s life

Dr Thabethe was on his way to work last Monday, accompanied by two bodyguards, when their vehicle came under gunfire at the entrance to Kilbarchan.

Four armed suspects allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, wounding Dr Thabethe and both bodyguards.

Intelligence gathered after the attack indicated that it was a planned hit targeting Dr Thabethe.

Members of Ithemba Security, the Newcastle Crime Fighters Task Team and the Amajuba District Task Team immediately activated their resources.

This led them to Ekuvukeni, about 48 kilometres outside Mnambithi (Ladysmith).

The teams were strategically deployed to monitor the suspects and their movements.

However, the suspects allegedly became aware of the surveillance and opened fire.

Backup units were swiftly dispatched and a shoot-out followed, lasting approximately two hours.

The suspects later managed to flee, prompting law enforcement to withdraw from the area for the night.

“We returned to the area on Tuesday morning, and continued to gather information and intel throughout the day,” the source said.

“By Tuesday evening around 21:00, it was confirmed that some of the suspects were fleeing towards Johannesburg, prompting us to follow them.”

High-speed chase ends in fatal shootout

A coordinated operation involving specialised tracking teams, Crime Intelligence, canine units, traffic air support and private security partners was launched to track the suspects.

The source said officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle shortly before 02:00 on Wednesday morning, a short distance from Johannesburg.

Realising he was being followed, the suspect attempted to flee, sparking a high-speed chase of about 25 kilometres.

The pursuit ended when he lost control of the vehicle, which overturned.

The suspect climbed out of the wreckage and opened fire on police. Officers returned fire, fatally wounding him during the ensuing shoot-out.

A pistol and a grey Nissan Magnite were recovered at the scene.

Information gathered positively linked the suspect to the shooting of Dr Thabethe.

The source said the deceased suspect, along with his missing accomplices, was linked to several high-profile criminal investigations.

These include cash-in-transit heists, political killings, the assassinations of taxi bosses and the murders of prominent businesspeople.

“In my opinion, these men are extremely dangerous, high-profile criminals and are likely among the most wanted syndicate members operating in our district and neighbouring provinces,” the source said.

He also praised the law enforcement officials and stakeholders involved, saying their swift response and dedication had delivered results soon after the attack on Dr Thabethe.

Hawks confirm incident

KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo confirmed the shooting.

“According to the information we have received, the suspect is believed to have been involved in Dr Thabethe’s shooting. The remaining three suspects are still at large,” said Mhlongo.

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