KZN’s cops boss cracks down on suspected criminals: A least 18 killed over 2 weeks
In all the incidents, officers allege the suspects were the ones who opened fire at them first, while resisting arrest.
Aftermath of a scene where a trio of suspects linked to an ATM bombing in Eskhaleni were killed by police during a shootout on 26 July 2024. Picture: Nhlanhla Mabaso/Eyewitness News
DURBAN - KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police have shot dead at least 18 suspected criminals in gun battles in the space of two weeks.
In all the incidents, officers allege the suspects were the ones who opened fire at them first while resisting arrest.
Police said the suspects were usually linked to a trail of crimes in parts of the province, including robberies, murders and hijackings.
During the crime summit held in Durban on Friday, the provincial Police Commissioner in KZN Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said officers had to be aggressive when dealing with suspected criminals - something he said could not be negotiated.
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For months now, KZN police have raised concern about suspects' refusal to surrender to arrests and opt for a gunfight instead.
Four deadly incidents were recorded in Empangeni – north of the province, in Inanda north of Durban, and Umlazi in the south, over the last two weeks.
A robbery suspect was killed in a shootout with officers in Esikhaleni on Sunday night, bringing the number of deaths at the hands of police officers to 18.
Police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda: "Police had responded to reports of a victim who was robbed at Ndindima area in Esikhaleni by suspects who fled the scene.
"Police traced the suspects, and four suspects were cornered at the Ncombo area. At the sight of police blue lights, the suspects opened fire towards the police, triggering a response from the men of law."
While the deadly shootings involving police officers have sparked a public debate, KwaZulu-Natal police maintain their stance, that if they face being attacked by criminals, they will defend themselves.