POLICE are investigating a potential link between the killing of five victims in the parking area at the Bay Centre in Richards Bay on Tuesday morning, and a deadly gunfight at an upmarket housing estate in Ballito on Wednesday afternoon.

A manhunt was immediately launched for the Richards Bay killers, who reportedly fled in a blue or silver VW Polo with ND registration.

Meanwhile, teams from the SAPS National Intervention and Crime Intelligence units launched a planned operation within Zimbali Estate at 3pm on Wednesday, hoping to arrest a resident wanted in ongoing criminal cases.

ALSO READ: Security beefed up in Richards Bay CBD after mass shooting

A shoot-out ensued, during which two suspects were reportedly shot dead and an unknown number of others arrested.

Police said six firearms and over 1 000 rounds of ammunition were seized at the scene.

According to a statement issued by SAPS provincial spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda, members of the KZN Stability Unit were following information that the suspects were linked to the Richards Bay massacre.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) were called to the scene and the search for further suspects continues.

The Zululand Observer understands that one of the gang members who died was a well-known local man whose name (which we are withholding pending official confirmation) has been linked to numerous assassinations, and that ‘his people’ were either the victims or the perpetrators of Tuesday’s shootings.

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