A manhunt is underway for one escaped robbery suspect after his two accomplices were fatally wounded when the gang clashed with police in a shootout on the M13, recently.
According to police spokesperson, Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo, a group of men stormed a business situated in the Estcourt CBD and stole a variety of cellphones and cash.
“The suspects fled the scene in their getaway vehicle. Police were immediately alerted and information was shared with neighbouring stations and units. Information was received that the vehicle was heading towards Durban. At 7pm, police officers from the Phoenix Task Team spotted the suspect’s vehicle along the M13 and a chase ensued. The suspects fled towards the St John’s on-ramp where there was a shoot-out. Two suspects sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead at the scene. A 9mm pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition was found next to the deceased suspects,” said Cst Ngcobo.
She said that police recovered a number of cellphones that were taken during the robbery in Estcourt.
“The investigation conducted at the scene revealed that the firearm was taken during a KwaMashu robbery last month. Charges of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as possession of stolen property were opened for investigation at Pinetown SAPS. It is believed that one of the suspects managed to flee during the shootout and is currently being sought by police,” Cst Ngcobo added.
