Man who attempted to rob KZN cop shot and killed

Police have shot dead a man who attempted to rob an officer in KwaZulu-Natal.

The suspect targeted the cop in Botanic near the Durban University of Technology Steve Biko Campus on Wednesday morning.

He has been identified as Sphe Msane. 

Advance Life Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said the officer opened fire in self-defence.

“Paramedics arrived on the scene to find SAPS [South African Police Service] and multiple security personnel in attendance and were shown to a male believed to be in his twenties who had sustained a gunshot wound to his head. Paramedics assessed the man; however, the man had sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased on the scene.”

Authorities said Msane was a known robber in the Berea area, known for cellphone snatching and mugging.  

His family and friends positively identified his body shortly after the shooting.

Police combed the scene where Msase, dressed in civilian clothing, escaped an attempted robbery and fired a fatal shot at his alleged attacker. 

Eyewitnesses said the officer was stuck in traffic when he was approached by the 20-year-old suspect. 

Witnesses said the officer reacted when he saw the suspect pull out a knife and threaten to stab him. 

Sources told Eyewitness News that earlier this year, the deceased had survived being shot five times.