Durban police have been commended for taking down an Inanda murder syndicate linked to several homicide cases.
Here’s how Durban police took down the Inanda murder syndicate
On Sunday, 22 October 2023, officers from KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Stabilisation Task Team acted on information about suspects connected to multiple murders in Inanda and nearby localities.
In a statement, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala revealed that the sting operation kicked into full gear when the suspected vehicle was identified while travelling along Amaoti Main Road in Inanda.
A call was made to intercept the vehicle and when officers attempted to force it to a halt, they were met with gunfire from the suspects.
A fatal confrontation
According to Lt-Col Gwala, amid the fiery exchange of gunfire, two suspects were fatally wounded. By then, the police officers’ marksmanship had surely instilled a great deal of fear among the perpetrators, forcing an immediate ceasefire.
When officers finally zeroed in on the vehicle, four gunmen were found with several gunshot wounds.
Lt-Col Gwala confirmed that the surviving suspects, the youngest aged 15 and the eldest 38, sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment under heavy police guard.
Law enforcement recovered two pistols with erased serial numbers and 24 rounds of ammunition at the scene.
The seized arsenal will undergo rigorous ballistics examinations to determine if links exist with active and cold cases.
Four suspects linked to Inanda murder syndicate due in court
While, at eye-level, the Durban police’s actions were deemed necessary and by the book, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) still has to take precautions and open an internal inquest to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
The apprehended suspects will face charges of attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.