DURBAN- In the early hours of this morning police officers from Nkandla and surrounding areas where mobilised after intelligence was received of a possible robbery in the area.

At 01:30, police officers intercepted three vehicles used by the suspects. There was a shootout between the suspects and the police officers which resulted in two suspects being fatally wounded.

One of the suspects’ vehicle overturned as they attempted to flee, resulting in four sustaining minor injuries whilst a fifth was seriously injured and is in hospital under police guard.

A total of eleven suspects were arrested by police. Five firearms with ammunition were seized from these men. Police also seized explosives that were found in their vehicles. Three vehicles have been impounded pending further investigation.

The suspects aged between 29 and 49 will be charged with attempted murder, possession of explosives as well as illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. They will be profiled to establish their involvement in other violent crimes within the province. The suspects are expected to appear in the Nkandla Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula has welcomed the firm stance taken by police in that Cluster. There is no place for thugs in this Province and criminals must expect police to fight back if they shoot at our men and women in blue. We call on all law abiding citizens to stand up and join police in eradicating crime within this province, he said.

Source: South African Police Service