KZN police shoot and kill 3 suspects wanted for Inanda officer murder

DURBAN - There has been another deadly shootout between police and suspected criminals in KwaZulu-Natal.

On Tuesday night, police opened fire on three suspects wanted for the murder of an officer in Inanda.

It's understood that the group disobeyed orders to hand themselves over and started shooting at the officers.

On Tuesday night, police said they were preparing to make arrests of what they've described as the most wanted criminals in Durban.

However, things turned sour when the suspects quickly opened fire at the police, and three of them were shot and killed.

Provincial Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said one of the suspected criminals fled the scene.

“They are involved with murders including a police officer that was killed last year around June, so the team have been locating and eventually they were able to find them here today [Tuesday].”

Mkhwanazi said police are searching for other criminals in Inanda.

“We know in this area, there are quite a few of the youngsters which we are looking for.”

This shooting comes days after police shot and killed four suspected criminals in Sydenham last week.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has commended KwaZulu-Natal police for tracking down the men.

"The loss of a police officer in the line of duty is a profound tragedy, not only for the family and colleagues of the fallen officer but for the entire nation. To the members of the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS [South African Police Service], your bravery and dedication are a testament to the spirit of our police force," said the minister’s spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi.