Three alleged armed robbers were fatally wounded during a shootout with police following a reported business robbery in Newlands West, north of Durban, on Tuesday, 30 December.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, officers from Newlands East responded to a complaint of a business robbery in the Honeyrich area of Newlands West.
ARMED ROBBERS GUNNED DOWN IN NEWLANDS WEST
Magwaza said the tavern owner was in the process of closing when he was confronted by five men armed with firearms.
“The suspects allegedly robbed the victim of cellphones, alcohol and an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene in a white Toyota Etios,” he said.
Police immediately launched patrols in the area and soon spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the robbery.
“Officers activated their blue lights and sirens in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but the driver failed to comply,” Magwaza explained.
A chase ensued, and the suspect vehicle later came to an abrupt stop.
“The occupants then alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on police officers. In defence of their lives, police returned fire,” he said.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR REMAINING SUSPECTS
During the exchange, three armed robbers were fatally wounded, while two armed robbers fled on foot into nearby bushland.
Police recovered a 9mm pistol, cellphones, bottles of alcohol and an undisclosed amount of money believed to have been stolen during the robbery.
“Cases of business robbery, attempted murder of police officers and possession of an unlicensed firearm have been opened,” Magwaza said.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects who escaped.
