Five suspects killed in Chatsworth shootout with KZN police

Five suspects killed in Chatsworth shootout with KZN police

Five suspects were shot dead during an early morning shootout with police in Chatsworth, Durban, on Monday. According to KwaZulu-Natal police, the deadly confrontation unfolded around 4 a.m. when officers launched an intelligence-driven operation targeting suspects believed to be linked to a series of violent crimes.

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Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects were hiding in a shack when officers moved in. Upon arrival, the suspects allegedly opened fire on police, triggering a gun battle.

“During the exchange of fire, five suspects were fatally wounded. Fortunately, no police officers sustained any injuries,” Netshiunda confirmed.

Linked to murders and armed robberies

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects were connected to several murders and armed robberies in Mariannhill and KwaNdengezi. Police said the operation formed part of their ongoing crackdown on violent crime across KwaZulu-Natal under Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The shootout has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some hailing the swift police response while others raised concerns about the rising levels of violent crime in the province. Mkhwanazi has been widely commended for his firm stance on crime and his commitment to ensuring police respond decisively to violent criminals. His leadership has strengthened law enforcement efforts across the province, restoring public confidence in policing

Previous police shootouts in KZN

This latest incident follows another deadly encounter in August, when two suspects wanted for the murder of a police officer were shot and killed during a gun battle in Inanda. At the time, officers tracked the pair to a house in Maplazini, where the suspects opened fire after police identified themselves.

READ: Four nine-year-old boys arrested for burglary spree in KZN

KZN police say they remain committed to rooting out criminal syndicates and ensuring safer communities, despite the challenges posed by heavily armed suspects.