DURBAN – Yesterday afternoon, police officers from Durban Central were conducting crime prevention operations in the Central Business District to curb crime such as robberies, hijackings and thefts. Whilst on operation they spotted four suspects robbing a woman at an ATM machine. The suspects jumped into a getaway vehicle and sped off as soon as they observed police officers approaching.
The two police officers pursued the suspects and a shootout ensued between the suspects and police. During the confrontation, police managed to apprehend two suspects. A third suspect was fatally wounded during the shootout. Banks cards; a knife; an unlicensed firearm and ammunition; bank cards; cash; cellphones as well as other items were seized from the suspects. The arrested suspects (32 & 36) were charged with attempted murder; robbery as well as illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. They will appear in the Durban Magistrates Court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner for Kwazulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula applauded the arrests by police. “Despite the resistance by these criminals, our police officers remained resilient and stood their ground. I am grateful that our police officers managed to escape unscathed during the confrontation,” said Lieutenant General Jula.