Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for suspects linked to a shooting incident at a tavern that left four people dead on Monday night.
KZN police spokesperson Robert Nethsuinda said they were looking for at least five suspects linked to the shooting that took place at a tavern on Ikhwezi Road at Bhidla Section in Sundumbili on the KZN North Coast.
Police said of the four people killed, two of them were off-duty police constables.
Four people survived the shooting and were taken to hospital.
Speaking about the incident Nethsuinda said: "It is alleged that the deceased persons were consuming alcohol when an altercation ensued between one police constable and a group of five men.
"The argument was resolved peacefully and the constable bought alcohol for the five men.
"A little later on, the other constable had another scuffle with the same five men just outside the tavern, which resulted in the constable being shot."
"The bleeding constable reportedly ran back into the tavern, with the suspects following him as they continued shooting randomly at everyone inside the tavern."
Police said during that shooting incident, three people were shot and killed at the scene, including the police constable.
"The second police officer also sustained gunshot wounds and was rushed to a local health care facility where he was certified dead on arrival."
He said four more people were also shot and injured and were rushed to hospital.
"Police closed off the tavern and confiscated the liquor after it was established that the tavern was operating illegally."
Nethsuinda said the motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to call the nearest police station or the crime stop number 08600 10111.
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