A man linked to several murder cases was shot dead during a confrontation with police in Mondlo late last night (Tuesday).

K9 Unit arrives after intelligence tip-off

According to police sources who are not allowed to speak to the media, members of the Pietermaritzburg K9 Unit arrived at a homestead in Duma Street, Mondlo Block A, at about 23:00 after receiving intelligence about a suspect allegedly accused of threatening and killing witnesses in a case before the Madadeni High Court. The suspect lived in an outside room on the property.

Shots fired from inside the room

Officers moved toward the room, knocked and identified themselves as police. They reported hearing movement before a shot was fired from inside. The sources said the team took cover and decided to force entry. “As soon as they broke the burglar guard, more shots came from the room, so the members returned fire,” one source said.

Loadshedding leaves room in darkness

The room was in darkness because of loadshedding, and officers advanced cautiously once the shooting stopped. They found the suspect with a gunshot wound. Paramedics were called and declared him dead at the scene.

Firearm recovered at scene

A revolver was found near his body. Several firearm cartridges were collected as evidence. His family later identified him.

IPID notified after shooting

No officers were injured. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was notified.

The investigation is continuing.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.