In Mahlabathini, Zululand District, a police operation took a deadly turn on Wednesday evening, when a shootout between officers and two alleged hitmen resulted in the suspects being fatally wounded.
Story Summary:
- Two suspected hitmen were fatally shot in a shootout with police officers in Mahlabathini, Zululand, as they allegedly prepared to target a local taxi owner.
- Police recovered firearms, one of which was previously reported stolen.
Mahlabathini police shootout: Here’s what we know
The suspects, reportedly on their way to assassinate a local taxi owner, instead encountered a team of police officers who were ready to intercept them based on gathered intelligence.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, officers received a tip-off that two suspected hitmen were en route to Mahlabathini in a red VW Polo with the intent to carry out a targeted hit.
Acting on this information, the police quickly mobilised and spotted the suspects’ vehicle driving along the P700 road in Mahlabathini.
Officers used blue lights and sirens to signal for the driver to pull over, and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road.
But within seconds, the situation escalated as the two occupants reportedly exited the vehicle and opened fire on the officers.
Colonel Netshiunda described the police response as “tactically astute,” with officers immediately returning fire, sparking an intense exchange of gunfire.
The shootout ended with both suspects fatally wounded. Police searched the scene and recovered three firearms and a stash of ammunition from the suspects’ vehicle.
Initial checks revealed that one of the firearms had been reported stolen from Macekane Reserve in Mtunzini in January.
The remaining firearms and ammunition are currently being processed for ballistic testing to determine if they are linked to other criminal activities within the province.
Colonel Netshiunda commended the officers for their quick action and precision, noting that no officers were injured during the confrontation.
“The swift actions of our officers neutralised the threat posed by the suspects, who were clearly prepared to carry out a violent act,” he stated.
As police continue their investigation, they will be examining the recovered firearms to assess any potential links to other crimes in KwaZulu-Natal.
