A station commander was killed and a police sergeant wounded during a shootout with suspects fleeing a business robbery near Greytown. The incident occurred when police pursued at least 10 suspects who had allegedly robbed a business, shot its owner, and assaulted employees. The suspects fled in a Toyota Quantum, leading the station commander and other police officers, along with private security personnel, to pursue them along the R33 towards Msinga.
The pursuit ended in a shootout between the suspects and police, during which the station commander was shot and killed at the scene. A police sergeant was also wounded in the arm and taken to hospital for treatment. The identity of the slain station commander has not yet been released. The police have launched a manhunt for the suspects who managed to escape into the surrounding mountainous terrain.
Two suspects were shot dead during the exchange of gunfire, while a third was wounded and arrested. He was taken to hospital under police guard. Police recovered three firearms, comprising two rifles and a handgun, from the suspects. The police are working to track down the remaining suspects and have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in their capture to come forward.
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba condemned the attack on the police officer, stating that an attack on police officers is an attack on the State. Makoba vowed that police would use every available resource to trace the suspects, who will "know no peace" as police hunt them day and night. The police have extended condolences to the family of the fallen officer.
Makoba emphasized that the police will do everything in their power to bring those responsible for the officer's death to justice. "The least we can offer now is justice and we shall find the suspects, dead or alive," she said. The police are determined to track down the suspects and bring them to justice.
The shootout near Greytown has raised concerns about the safety of police officers and the increasing levels of violence in the area. The police have urged anyone with information about the suspects to come forward and assist in their capture. The manhunt for the suspects is ongoing, with police deploying every available resource to track them down.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of support for the police and the family of the fallen officer. The police have thanked the public for their support and urged anyone with information to come forward. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and the police are working to gather more information about the suspects and their motives.
Key points
- Police have launched a manhunt for suspects who killed a station commander during a shootout near Greytown.
- The incident occurred during a pursuit of suspects who had allegedly robbed a business and shot its owner.
- Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba has vowed to bring those responsible for the officer's death to justice.
Reporting sources
- KZN police launch manhunt after Greytown station commander killed · The Independent on Saturday