Nine suspects shot dead in Mariannhill
Police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have shot and killed nine suspects in Desai, Mariannhill in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The suspects were killed in a shootout with police.
KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says police acted on a tip-off.
"Our provincial team received intelligence about the group of suspects that have been terrorising the area of Mariannhill and surroundings and when we pounced on the suspects early this morning (Wednesday), they fired shots at the police and the police retaliated. After the shootout, it was found that the nine suspects had succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds."
Netshiunda says the suspects were wanted for several violent crimes.
"The suspects were also sought in connection with a case of rape where they allegedly gang-raped a girl and made her mother watch the ordeal during a house robbery. They were also on police's radar for serious and violent crimes in the area."
He adds that it is believed that the suspects were plotting to execute a hit on someone.
"Three firearms have so far been found in possession of the suspects and a search is still ongoing. A manhunt for outstanding two suspects is underway."
@SAPoliceService KZN Police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda says the group have been linked to a gang rape in the area as well as a number of violent crimes @ECR_Newswatch @ecr9495 pic.twitter.com/jIVyrBYW4w
— Nushera Soodyal (@nushera) April 3, 2024
