Three suspects, believed to be behind a vehicle hijacking in Mariannhill, Durban, were fatally shot during a confrontation with police.
The incident occurred when officers tracked the hijacked vehicle to a nearby location following the crime.
According to authorities, the suspects opened fire as the police approached, prompting the officers to return fire.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the deaths of the suspects at the scene.
“The suspects were armed and engaged officers in a shootout. Three firearms and ammunition were recovered,” he said.
The hijacked vehicle has since been recovered and will undergo further investigation to determine if the suspects are linked to other criminal activities in the region.
Colonel Netshiunda commended the swift response of the officers, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to combating violent crime.
No police officers were injured during the exchange. An investigation into the incident is ongoing.
This marks the latest in a series of violent confrontations between law enforcement and suspected criminals in KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting the persistent challenges of vehicle hijackings and violent crime in the region.