Wanted murder suspect killed in gun battle with KZN police

A man, who has been on the run and was wanted in connection with a case of murder, was shot and fatally wounded when he wrestled with a police officer to gain control of a firearm last night.

According to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the suspect was wanted for the 2022 murder of a 24-year-old man who was shot and killed during a church service in Wyebank.

Yesterday, the KZN Provincial Stabilisation Team police officers operationalised intelligence and arrested the suspect at the King Shaka International Airport as he attempted to flee the province.

“Investigations led the police to a residential estate on Ashley Road in Hillcrest where police were searching for the suspect’s accomplice. During the investigation, the suspect wanted to use the toilet, and the officers freed one of his hands from the handcuffs and accompanied him to the toilet. With the police under the impression that the suspect was opening the drawer to reach for toilet paper, the suspected killer drew a firearm from the drawer and fired a shot.

“The vigilant police officer reacted quickly, and a wrestle for the firearm ensued. During the tussle, the police officer tactically managed to retaliate, and the suspect was fatally wounded,” reports Netshiunda.

“The fatally wounded suspect and his accomplice had allegedly gone inside the premises on Mdoni Road and opened fire at the victim before fleeing from the scene. The search for the deceased suspect’s accomplice is underway,” says Netshiunda.