Murder, robbery suspects killed in police shoot-out in Empangeni

Two gun-wielding murder and robbery suspects were fatally wounded, with two unlicensed firearms and ammunition recovered, when they faced law enforcement officers during a shoot-out in Empangeni on Monday.

The two men, who were spotted by motorists standing by a sugar cane field in the early hours of the morning, died at the scene.

According to the police statement, officers were on routine patrol when they noticed a white bakkie parked at the sugar cane field along the old Mtubatuba Road.

When police approached the vehicle, the two suspects started firing shots, resulting in the deadly shoot-out. No police officers were injured.

Two firearms and several rounds of ammunition were found in the deceased suspects’ possession.

Following the shoot-out, motorists confirmed the car had been parked in the area in morning, with two men standing by the sugar cane looking ‘suspicious’.

Police subsequently began preliminary investigations during which they learnt warrants of arrest had been issued against the two men in connection with several cases of murder and robbery.

Further investigations revealed the men were using a stolen vehicle taken during a house robbery in KwaMsane on Friday.

King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase urged residents to report any suspected criminal activities to the police.

“Crime can be reported anonymously and residents don’t have to fear being revealed. Communities know who is doing what and with whom – it is time for them to play a huge role in helping police capture wrongdoers,” said Shangase.

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