Wanted murder suspects killed in shootout with police in Empangeni

Three suspects wanted for at least 10 murder cases were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police in the KwaDlangezwa area of Empangeni early Friday morning.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Stabilization Team, part of Operation Vala uMgodi, acted on intelligence regarding the suspects hiding in a house in KwaDlangezwa.

When police announced their presence, the suspects opened fire, leading to a shootout that resulted in the suspects’ deaths.

The suspects were also allegedly involved in an ATM bombing incident in Esikhaleni on Thursday, which left one suspect dead.

Police found at least two firearms in their possession.

The crime scene is still being searched for additional evidence.

Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reiterated that criminals who shoot at the police should expect the same kind of response.

Mkhwanazi stated, “Police officers have a mandate to arrest and bring perpetrators to justice. However, if police find themselves under gunfire, the only option they have in order to come out alive is through the return of fire.”

#sapsKZN 3 Suspects, who were #wanted for at least ten cases of murder, were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at KwaDlangezwa area in Empangeni in the early hours of today.

The suspects, who were also alleged to have been involved in the ATM bombing incident… pic.twitter.com/5prxRXSlz9

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) July 26, 2024