KZN police kill five armed and wanted suspects in Chatsworth shootout

KwaZulu-Natal police have been hailed for keeping communities safe and defending themselves against five armed suspects wanted for murder, house robberies, extortion, and possession of unlicensed firearms.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects, believed to be between the ages of 17 and early to mid twenties, were killed in a shootout with police at Pump House informal settlement in Chatsworth in the early hours of Monday morning. 

Netshiunda said police acted on intelligence regarding the suspects sought in connection with a host of crimes that allegedly took place in Mpumalanga township, Mariannhill, KwaNdengezi, and Msunduzi.

“Intelligence led the police to the suspects’ hideout spot in Chatsworth, and when police announced their arrival, the suspects started spraying a hail of bullets towards police officers, and a shootout ensued,” Netshiunda said. 

“During the shootout, five suspects were shot and fatally wounded. No police officer sustained any injury during the shootout.” 

Netshiunda said that three firearms, one of them a homemade gun, were found in the possession of the suspects. 

East Coast Crime Watch’s Bilal Khan said: “Kudos to SAPS KZN for defending themselves against armed suspects! When police are met with gunfire, their priority is to protect themselves and the public.” 

Khan said this incident highlights the bravery and quick thinking of our law enforcement officers. 

“Well done to the SAPS KZN team for upholding their duty to keep our communities safe! We salute you for your bravery,” Khan said. 

Chatsworth Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Yugan Pillay said fortunately, neither the officers nor any innocent bystanders sustained injuries.

“I am glad that law enforcement has managed to track down these criminals who have been wreaking havoc throughout the area,” Pillay said. 

“I commend these members for their efforts and wish to assure them that they have the support of the Chatsworth CPF and the Chatsworth community.”

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli commended the police for their swift action. 

Ntuli, in his capacity as Executive responsible for Community Safety and Liaison for KZN, lauded the “excellent” work of law enforcement officers. 

“Our law enforcement agents are equal to the task, and we are on course to turn the tide against crime in our province. We will do everything to reclaim our communities from the grip of criminal elements inch by inch, until our province is totally free of crime. I wish to assure all our communities that we are heightening our crime prevention and detection strategies in the province, thereby narrowing the ground for criminals to operate,” Ntuli said.

He commended the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies, highlighting their significant efforts in re-establishing law and order throughout the province.

Ntuli said the successful operation comes after 13,500 suspects were arrested by police in KZN in August. 

He said this clearly demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to preventing and detecting crime.

Ntuli also urged the community to continue to cooperate with the police by providing information that will lead to the apprehension of criminals.

“To eradicate crime we all have to work together - the public, private security, business and all stakeholders. Let us also be active in our communities by joining voluntary crime prevention structures,” Ntuli said. 

thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za