By Everson Luhanga
A police sergeant is one of three suspected armed robbers who were shot and killed in a shootout with police in two separate shooting incidents in Ntuzuma on Sunday afternoon.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said at least six suspects, some dressed in police uniform and others carrying pieces of police equipment, reportedly stormed into a store in Richmond on Sunday morning and held the shop owner and the staff at gunpoint,
They robbed the victims of their firearms, an undisclosed amount of money and other items.
Colonel Netshiunda said police intelligence and the two vehicles which were spotted fleeing from the crime scene were traced to a house on Mgwenya Avenue in Lindelani.
“When the suspects realised the presence of the police, they opened fire as they ran out of the house. Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded at the scene.
“They were both found wearing police headgear. One of them was also in possession of a police firearm and a police bulletproof vest. Another police bulletproof vest and a police raincoat were found in the house.
“A vehicle belonging to a police officer, who had just reported off duty earlier in the morning from his night shift at KwaMashu police station, was found at the scene,” he said.
He said police then received more intelligence about an injured police officer who was hiding in a shack at Phindangene informal settlement in Ntuzuma B.
“When the police arrived at the scene, the police sergeant fired shots at the police officers and in the resulting shootout, he was shot and fatally wounded.
“He was found to be the owner of the police firearm in possession of the slain suspect at the first crime scene, as well as the owner of the vehicle,” said Netshiunda.
A manhunt is still underway for the remaining three suspects who are still at large. The house which the suspects were found in belongs to a known cash-in-transit robbery suspect who is out on bail. Investigations are also underway to establish if the police officer was involved in any other robberies.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reiterated that police fight crime from within and that police officers who involve themselves in criminal activities will be met with the harsh wrath of the law.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the CrimeStop number 08600 10111.
Pictured above: A crime scene in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: SAPS
