Calls mount for SAPS to account for unjustly killing four criminals in Durban

Calls are mounting for the South African Police Service (SAPS) to account after the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) found that KwaZulu-Natal officers acted unjustly when they shot and killed four criminals in Durban in 2025.

The police watchdog has flagged an incident that occurred in March 2025, where officers killed four criminals on Duffs Road in Durban, claiming the group opened fire first in a bid to evade arrest.

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The police’s version of events has now been questioned after footage emerged showing the suspects complying with orders during the ordeal.

Criminologist at the University of Cape Town Dr Simon Howell has weighed in on the matter.

“The concern was, of course, that while lethal force is needed at some point, police have to operate within the ambit of the law, especially because they upload the law, so there’s no excuse or deviation here.”

He said incidents of this nature fuel mistrust in the police service.

“In many instances, I sense that the police may not be uploading the law and that beings into doubt their own legitimacy and it brings into doubt the of law in the country.”