KZN police in fatal shootout with murder suspects
KZN police in fatal shootout with murder suspects! KwaZulu-Natal police officers engaged in a violent shootout with a group of murder suspects, leading to the deaths of three individuals and the recovery of two illegal firearms. The intense confrontation took place in the Doringkop area on Friday, as law enforcement attempted to apprehend dangerous criminals linked to multiple murder cases in KwaMsane and Mtubatuba.
Tracking Down the Suspects
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza explained that the events unfolded following the arrest of two suspects in Esikhaleni. This arrest led officers from Operation Vala Umgodi to uncover new intelligence about four additional suspects traveling in Doringkop.
“Crime Intelligence provided information that the suspects were in the vicinity, along with a description of the vehicle they were driving,” said Magwaza.
Acting swiftly on this critical tip, officers proceeded toward the identified location, determined to bring the criminals to justice.
KZN police in fatal shootout
The Deadly Gun Battle
Upon spotting the suspects’ vehicle on Doesburg Road, law enforcement attempted to pull them over. However, instead of surrendering, the suspects opened fire, sparking an intense gunfight.
“A gun battle ensued, and three suspects were fatally wounded,” Magwaza confirmed.
One suspect managed to escape during the chaos, but authorities recovered two unlicensed firearms from the scene.
Connection to a House Robbery
As investigations continued, police discovered that the suspects had earlier committed a house robbery, targeting an elderly man.
“They assaulted the senior citizen and robbed him of his firearm,” Magwaza revealed.
Initially, police were unable to locate the elderly victim, sparking concerns for his safety. Fortunately, the man emerged on Saturday, March 22, 2025, and opened a case at KwaDukuza Police Station.
Authorities are now conducting a detailed profiling of the deceased suspects to determine if they were involved in other criminal activities across the region.
Four Partially Burned Bodies Discovered in Gauteng
Meanwhile, in Gauteng, police made another gruesome discovery on Saturday morning when they found four bodies with gunshot wounds at the Marry Me informal settlement extension 3.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed that officers responded to the disturbing crime scene at approximately 6am.
“Upon arrival, police found four partially burned bodies with gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported that several other victims had already been taken to the hospital,” said Muridili.
A Deadly Dispute
Preliminary investigations suggest that at approximately 3am, a group of community-based patrollers were gathering for their nightly patrols when they noticed five people on the street.
“When the group approached the five, a quarrel broke out. The confrontation quickly escalated into violence, leaving four people dead and eight others injured,” Muridili stated.
At this stage, police have not yet determined the motive behind the attack, but they are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Safety
Both incidents highlight the dangerous crime climate in parts of South Africa, where police regularly encounter armed and dangerous suspects.
Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are still searching for the fourth murder suspect who managed to flee the Doringkop shootout, while Gauteng police are working to understand the reasons behind the Marry Me informal settlement killings.
Police Urge Public to Assist
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is urging the public to provide any information that could lead to additional arrests in both cases.
“Anyone with knowledge about these incidents is encouraged to come forward,” Magwaza emphasized.
Despite the ongoing dangers, police continue their relentless fight against violent crime, ensuring that criminals face justice and that communities remain safe.
