Four men were killed in a shootout with the police in Mariannhill, west of the Durban CBD, on Thursday afternoon.
The police said on Thursday they were following up on intelligence around a gang that was allegedly involved in a spate of murders, when they spotted the suspects travelling in a white vehicle.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Jay Naicker said members of the Rapid Rail Police Unit (RRPU), Provincial Investigations and Tracking Task Team, under the banner of “Operation Qondisa”, were following up intelligence about a gang allegedly responsible for a spate of murders in the province.
“The four suspects were spotted travelling in a white vehicle along Higginson Highway in St Wendolins and police instructed them to stop.
“Instead of heeding to the police instructions, the suspects opened fire towards the police officers. During the exchange of gunfire, the four suspects were fatally wounded,” said Naicker.
He said preliminary investigations had confirmed that the suspects were on the serious and violent crimes “most wanted” list, which is made up of suspects in cases such as murder, attempted murder, hijackings, armed robberies and extortion.
Police recovered an AK-47assault rifle with one magazine and 19 rounds of ammunition, as well as a vehicle which was suspected to have been stolen.
“Ink-stained bank notes were also found inside the vehicle. No police officer was injured during the gun battle and all role players, including the independent Police Investigative Directorate, were summoned to the scene for further investigation,” Naicker said.
He confirmed that an inquest docket had been opened.
Source: The Witness, IOL, SABC News, Eyewitness News, image from Twitter: @ECR_Newswatch