Eight suspected robbers were killed in a shootout with police late Thursday night in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.
The men, believed to have been planning a robbery in Esikhawini, were intercepted following a tip-off.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the suspects were spotted on the John Ross Highway shortly before midnight. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop when ordered, triggering a high-speed chase.
“A high speed vehicle chase ensued and the suspects started firing shots towards the police. Police returned fire. During the shoot-out eight suspects were fatally wounded.
“The suspects, who were also linked to a recent cash in transit robbery in the Mzingazi area, were found in possession of three firearms, two replica guns and house breaking implements,” Netshiunda confirmed.
Police recovered three firearms, two replica guns, and housebreaking tools from the suspects. The men were also linked to a recent cash-in-transit robbery in the Mzingazi area. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the recovered firearms were used in other crimes.
This incident raises the number of suspects killed in police shootouts in the past two days to 10.
One suspect was killed in Umlazi’s F Section during a police operation targeting individuals wanted for murder and cash-in-transit robberies on Wednesday. According to police, two suspects opened fire upon their arrival at a residence. One was killed, while the other escaped.
Another suspect was killed during a confrontation with police in KwaMashu on Thursday after a hijacked vehicle was spotted. Police said the suspect exited the vehicle and fired at officers, who returned fire, fatally wounding him. Two other suspects were arrested and are expected to appear in court soon.
