DURBAN – Last night, 07 April 2021, at 21:30, police officers from Nkandla SAPS acted on intelligence about a man who was in unlawful possession of a firearm at Vimbimbobo. As the police officers approached the suspect’s homestead, they were met by a hail of bullets emanating from the house and a shoot-out ensued.
Two police officers were injured in the shootout and were conveyed to hospital for medical attention. Constable Happy Sipho Dladla (36) later died in hospital as a result of the injuries he had sustained. One police officer remains in a critical condition in hospital. The suspects stole a pistol from the injured police officers before they fled into the darkness.
Various police units, neighbouring police stations and the Hawks worked tirelessly throughout the night to trace the suspects involved in the attack. A 34-year-old suspect was placed under arrest on charges of murder, attempted murder and robbery after he was found hiding in a neighbouring homestead.
The firearm that was stolen was found in the suspect’s possession. The suspect, who was also injured during the shootout, was taken to hospital for medical attention where he is under police guard. A second suspect (40) was later arrested after an intensive operation and will appear in court soon.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has conveyed his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Constable Dladla. “We are proud of him as he died doing what he loved, protecting his community. We are consoled by the fact that the culprits are behind bars where they belong,” he said.
Source: South African Police Service