KwaZulu-Natal police have disclosed that nine individuals suspected of engaging in criminal activities were fatally shot during a confrontation with law enforcement in Durban. The suspects were reportedly involved in terrorizing the Marianhill community and were part of a larger group of 11 individuals known for serious and violent offenses.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for KZN police, revealed that the encounter occurred early Wednesday morning in the Desai area of Mariannhill. According to Netshiunda, the suspects were targeted by the KZN Provincial Stabilisation Team based on intelligence suggesting their involvement in various crimes, including a case of gang rape where they allegedly assaulted a girl while forcing her mother to witness the ordeal during a home invasion.
“The suspects were also being sought in connection with a case of rape where they allegedly gang raped a girl and made her mother watch the ordeal during a house robbery,” Netshiunda stated.
The shootout ensued after police received information indicating that the suspects were planning to carry out a targeted attack. Netshiunda confirmed that three firearms were recovered from the suspects, with efforts ongoing to locate additional evidence.
“While the police were ambushed after mistakenly targeting the wrong house, the tactically astute officers effectively responded, neutralizing the threat without sustaining any injuries,” Netshiunda added.
A manhunt is currently underway for the remaining two suspects involved in the incident.