Yesterday two police officers were on their way to court when they witnessed three men clad in reflector jackets, pointing firearms at a motorist on the Helpmekaar Road in Ezakheni. When police reached the crime scene, the suspects fled on foot and a chase ensued. The police officers chased the suspects on foot and one of the suspects opened fire at the police officers. A shootout ensued and the suspect was fatally wounded.
The shootout emanates from an incident where the suspects allegedly flagged down motorists to stop. The men demanded cash from the motorists at gunpoint. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken. The suspects fled when they spotted the police vehicle approaching. Police recovered two firearms with three rounds of ammunition, a toy gun and cash at the scene of the shootout. A second suspect was arrested and is in police custody. Cases of attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms, armed robbery and an inquest docket were opened at the Ezakheni police station for further investigation. The suspect will be charged and will appear in the Ladysmith Magistrates’ Court soon.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula commended the police officers for their alertness which led to the arrest of the suspect. “I am relieved that our police officers escaped the shooting unscathed,” he said.
