By Everson Luhanga
Six suspects wanted for several murders and extortion were shot and killed by police in a shootout in the South Beach area of Durban just before midnight on Monday.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the police were tracking these suspects after they had killed four people execution-style in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, on Sunday night.
The victims were sitting by the roadside, drinking, when the suspects arrived with guns, ordered them to lie down, and then shot them in the back of the head.
Following leads, the police found out that the suspects were hiding in Newlands East but then learned they were in a rented holiday apartment on South Beach Avenue in Durban.
When the police arrived and announced themselves, the suspects started shooting, leading to a gunfight.
“All six suspects were shot and killed during the shootout. No police officer was injured,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
The suspects were also linked to a triple murder that happened on Friday near a tuckshop in Mpumalanga township, Hammarsdale, and a robbery at a shop in the same building where they were hiding.
It’s believed they were also involved in the illegal drug trade.
Police found three guns on the suspects during a search of the apartment. These guns will be tested to see if they were used in other crimes. Police are also looking for the person who rented the apartment for the suspects.
Pictured above: A crime scene where six suspects were shot and killed in KwaZulu-Natal.
Source: KZN SAPS
