Africa-Press – South-Africa. A man believed to be behind the murder of five people in Richards Bay was killed in a shootout with police on Wednesday at the luxury Zimbali Estate in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda officers from the KwaZulu-Natal stability unit followed intelligence gathered in their investigation into the murder of five people in a parking lot in the Richards Bay central business district (CBD).
“The tactically astute police officers penetrated the residence and before they knew it they found themselves under gunfire from the suspects. Police retaliated and at the end of the shootout, two suspects were found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds,” Netshiunda said.
Netshiunda added that six firearms and over 1 000 rounds of ammunition were found at the crime scene.
“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was summoned to the scene for further investigations. Police investigations into the matter continue and a search for more possible suspects are ongoing,” he said.
In a statement, Zimbali CEO Francois Schoeman, said police carried out a prearranged operation within Zimbali Estate with “the goal of apprehending a resident associated with an ongoing criminal case”.
Schoeman said:
The police had not confirmed any arrests at the time of publication.
Schoeman added: “Though we may lack comprehensive details about the case, we find solace in knowing that our estate has been cleared of these criminal elements. The safety and security of our community remain paramount and we appreciate the dedicated efforts of law enforcement in assuring the wellbeing and special arrangements that have been made to ensure the security of residents in the vicinity.”
KwaZulu-Natal has recently experienced several mass shootings and gun-related violence.
In August, gunmen shot seven people dead and attempted to kill another at Umlazi’s Q section.
In June, seven people were shot dead at the infamous Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi.
In April, gunmen stormed a Pietermaritzburg home and wiped out a family of eight.
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