Five suspects were shot dead and three others wounded in a high-speed pursuit on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal, on Wednesday morning.
According to the police, a gang of eight suspects linked to business robberies in Empangeni were travelling in two separate vehicles on Wednesday, when they were intercepted by local security and the police. A high speech cased ensued immediately.
Andreas Mathios of Marshall Security said Crime Intelligence, Marshall’s Special Operations team along with SAPS Phoenix Trio Crimes, including other police officials, pursued the suspects who were travelling in two separate vehicles, after they had committed business robbery in Empangeni earlier on.
“Both vehicles overturned, around a kilometre apart and further investigation led to the discovery of the items stolen in the armed robbery as well as multiple unlicensed firearms. Fortunately, none of the first responding role players were injured during the shootout,” he said.
Paul Herbst, Medi ResponseKZN spokesperson said, the high-speed pursuit affected the traffic on the N2. “Reports from the scene suggest that criminals had committed an armed robbery in Empangeni and had fled the scene in two vehicles,” he said.
Herbst said the police and private security intercepted the suspects and a shootout ensued. Three of the suspects were shot dead near the Tongaat toll plaza, while the other three in the other vehicle tried to make an escape down the highway.
“The suspects were shot and killed near King Shaka airport during an exchange of fire. The critically injured suspects are being treated by Medi Response paramedics,” Herbst said.
Source: The Citizen, IOL, image from The Citizen: Marshall Security