A man believed to be involved in smuggling stolen cars from South Africa to neighbouring countries was killed during a shoot-out with police on Friday night.

The deceased, George Mthembu of Manguzi, is believed to be a wanted vehicle smuggling syndicate kingpin.

uMkhanyakude Cluster police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sibusiso Mkhize confirmed an inquest docket was registered at Hluhluwe SAPS.

“Police and members of the Serious and Violent Crimes unit, as well as a vehicle tracking company, were conducting normal duties in Hluhluwe when they received information about a suspected stolen grey Toyota Hilux with a false registration,” said Mkhize, adding that they were informed the suspect was armed.

“The vehicle was spotted near Muzinene bridge, [on the] R22 north, and members activated a blue light. After asking the driver to stop, [he] started shooting at the police through the window. Police retaliated, and the vehicle came to a standstill next to the small hills,” he said.

Mkhize added that a preliminary investigation uncovered that the vehicle was stolen from Brooklyn in Pretoria this year and that the licence disc was fraudulent. A pistol with a serial number filed off was also recovered.

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