Armed suspect fatally shot by police
A dramatic shootout at Maydon Wharf leads to the death of a suspect wanted for multiple violent crimes.
Image: SAPS
Police in Durban shot and killed a suspect wanted in connection with several violent crimes during a shootout at Maydon Wharf on Monday, December 15.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the man had been sought for a string of cases, including murder and attempted murder committed at Sawoti earlier this month. He was also linked to a brutal attack in Mbumbulu, where four people were killed.
Magwaza revealed that the suspect was also wanted for his alleged involvement in the cash-in-transit robbery case that occurred at Umlazi on Friday, December 5.
"Police received intelligence indicating that the armed suspect was heading towards the Durban Central Business District," said Magwaza.
He said that officers, supported by Metro Police, tracked the minibus taxi he was travelling in. Before they could intercept it, the suspect allegedly opened fire while the vehicle drove straight at them.
Police returned fire, fatally wounding the suspect. Two pistols were recovered at the scene, one found on the deceased and another inside the taxi.
“Police operationalized information about the suspect’s movements. When officers attempted to intercept the minibus taxi, the suspect fired shots at them. Police returned fire, and the suspect was fatally wounded. Two firearms were recovered, one in his possession and another inside the vehicle,” he said.
Magwaza added that a case of attempted murder against the police has been registered at Maydon Wharf Police Station.