The Citizen reports that three suspects, including a police officer, were killed in shootouts with KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police on Sunday morning at two separate scenes.

According to KZN police, six suspects, some disguised in police attire, held a shop owner and staff at gunpoint in Richmond before robbing them of their firearms, an undisclosed amount of money and other items. Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda reported: “Police operationalised intelligence and the two vehicles which were spotted fleeing from the crime scene were traced to a residence on Mgwenya Avenue in Lindelani. When the suspects realised the presence of the police, they opened fire as they ran out of the house. Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded at the scene. They were both found wearing police headresses. One of them was also in possession of a police firearm and a police bullet proof vest.” A vehicle belonging to a police officer, who had reported off duty earlier in the morning from his night shift at KwaMashu police station, was also found at the scene. Officers then received a report about an injured police officer who was hiding inside a shack at Phindangene informal settlement. Netshiunda indicated: “When the police arrived at the scene, the police Sergeant fired shots at the police officers and in a resultant shootout, he was shot and fatally wounded. He was found to be the owner of a police firearm which was found in possession of the slain suspect at the first crime scene, as well as the owner of the vehicle.“ Investigations are underway to establish if the police officer was involved in other robberies. A manhunt is still underway for the remaining three suspects.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Faizel Patel at The Citizen
• Read too, KZN cop among robbery suspects killed in shootout, at News24 (registration required)

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