DURBAN – It is alleged that this morning at 08:00, employees from business premises in Westville were performing their duties when they were accosted by a group of armed men.
At gunpoint, the suspects stole an undisclosed amount of cash. As they were attempting to flee the scene they were confronted by police and a shootout ensued. A 35-year-old suspect was fatally wound during the shootout as others managed to flee the scene. A pistol with 48 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the deceased suspect.
The vehicle used by the suspects was found burnt at Clermont. Investigations revealed that the vehicle used was hijacked in July this year in Malvern. Charges of robbery; attempted murder; illegal possession of a firearm, as well as ammunition and an inquest, were opened at the Westville police station for investigation.
“I am pleased that our police officers remained unscathed after coming under attack following their swift response. We are challenging criminals to test our rapid response capacity this Festive Season. We remain undeterred by such attempts by criminals to intimidate us,” said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula.