Two alleged hitmen killed in police shoot-out

TWO suspected hitmen were fatally shot during a shoot-out with police in Mahlabathini on Wednesday evening.

The suspects were travelling in a red VW Polo and were allegedly on their way to assassinate a taxi owner in Mahlabathini.

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Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police reacted on intelligence-driven information about an assassination plot that was going to be executed on Wednesday.

“The intelligence was operationalised and the suspects’ vehicle was spotted driving along the P700 in Mahlabathini. Police activated blue lights and sirens to instruct the driver of the vehicle to pull over,” said Netshiunda.

“The driver stopped in the middle of the road, however, in a split second, two occupants exited the vehicle and opened fire in the direction of the police.

“Tactical astute police officers returned fire and a shoot-out ensued. Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded. Three firearms and ammunition were found in the possession of the suspects. “Preliminary investigations confirmed that one of the firearms was reported stolen at Macekane reserve in January.

“Recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if they are linked to any crime scene in and around the province,” he said.

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