A DRAMATIC police chase and shoot-out in Wentworth on July 26 ended with one man dead, another wounded and arrested, while three other suspects escaped.

Kaydon Travess Smale (19) from Newlands East was killed during the shoot-out with the police.

Also read: Three injured in Wentworth shooting

Sources told the SUN that Wentworth police had received information about armed men allegedly involved in a shooting in the area.

“The police were given the description of the suspects’ vehicle. A team of police officers was dispatched to the scene. Upon initial investigations, they spotted a car matching the description. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but its occupants opened fire. Police returned fire, killing one suspect and injuring another,” the source said.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Paul Magwaza said said the police have opened cases of attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving and an inquest.

“The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a traffic light at intersection of Basil February and Tara Road. Two suspects alighted from the vehicle and continued firing at the police. Police returned fire, fatally wounding one suspect. A 20-year-old suspect was shot and transported to hospital for medical attention. Three other suspects managed to flee the scene. The police members escape unharmed,” said Magwaza.

Prior to the shooting, other incidents were reported in Montclair and Wentworth.

Truck driver killed on Quality Street

In a separate incident, a truck driver (45) was shot dead on Quality Street in Wentworth during the early hours of July 24. The deceased was reportedly walking home from work when he was confronted by armed suspects.

According to an eyewitness, the attackers allegedly attempted to rob the victim before the encounter turned violent.

Also read: Three behind bars for drug possession, one out on bail

“There was a brief struggle between the armed men and the deceased. He initially overpowered them, however, one of the men pulled out a firearm and shot him. They fled the scene on foot along Quality Street,” the witness said.

Police spokesperson in Wentworth, Captain Mbuso Gumede, said the deceased was a Zimbabwean national.

“A case of murder and robbery is being investigated by the Wentworth detectives. The motive is robbery. During the robbery the victim resisted, and was fatally wounded with a firearm. The deceased is a truck driver, but during the incident he was walking on foot, not driving a truck,” said Gumede.

The killings occurred between Friday and Sunday.

E-hailing driver shot dead in Wentworth

In a separate incident on Austerville Drive, an e-hailing driver was shot and killed while dropping off a passenger.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, and detectives are investigating whether the victim was specifically targeted or became the victim of an opportunistic crime.

Another individual killed near South Coast Road

In another incident a man was shot dead at Kwagogo Tavern near South Coast Road on July 24. Police have not disclosed the motive for the killing, and investigations are continuing.

No arrests have been made.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.