The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reiterated that police fight crime from within and that police officers who involve themselves in criminal activities will be met with the harsh wrath of the law.
This comes after a police sergeant was among three suspected armed robbers who were shot and fatally wounded in a gun battle with police in two separate shooting incidents in Ntuzuma, on Sunday afternoon, 18 August. Police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said at least six suspects, some dressed in police uniform and others wearing pieces of police uniform, reportedly stormed into a store in Richmond on Sunday morning and held the shop owner and the staff at gunpoint, before robbing the victims of their firearms, an undisclosed amount of money and other items.
“Police operationalised intelligence and the two vehicles which were spotted fleeing from the crime scene were traced to a residence on Mgwenya Avenue in Lindelani. When the suspects realised the presence of the police, they opened fire as they ran out of the house. Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded at the scene. They were both found wearing police headdresses. One of them was also in possession of a police firearm and a police bulletproof vest. Another police bulletproof vest and a police raincoat were found inside the house,” said Col Netshiunda.
He added that a vehicle belonging to a police officer, who had just reported off duty earlier in the morning from his night shift at KwaMashu police station, was found at the scene.
“Police then received another intelligence about an injured police officer who was hiding inside a shack at Phindangene informal settlement in Ntuzuma B. When the police arrived at the scene, the police sergeant fired shots at the police officers, and in a resultant shootout, he was shot and fatally wounded. He was found to be the owner of a police firearm which was found in possession of the slain suspect at the first crime scene, as well as the owner of the vehicle.”
According to Col Netshiunda, a manhunt is still underway for the remaining three suspects who are still at large.
“The house in which the suspects were found, belongs to a known cash-in-transit robbery suspect who is out on bail. Investigations are also underway to establish if the police officer was involved in other robberies,” Col Netshiunda added.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to contact the nearest police station or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
