Minister lauds KZN police after 9 suspects killed in morning raid
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, took to social media to commend the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) police force for their swift action in combating crime.
Botes emphasised the importance of having well-trained officers like those in KZN, stating, “KZN is decisive; we need that contingency of well-trained officers to multiply across the country. Organised crime requires agility & adequate capacity. Well done.”
#SAPS KZN is decisive; we need that contingency of well trained officers to multiply across the country. Organised crime requires agility & adequate capacity. Well done!
— ALVINBOTES DEPUTY MINISTER (#DIRCO) (@alvinbotes) April 3, 2024
KZN Police commended for foiling shootout
This commendation comes in the wake of a dramatic shootout in the Desai area of Mariannhill, located west of Durban, where nine suspects were killed by KZN police earlier this morning.
KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda explained that the operation was based on intelligence gathered by the provincial team regarding a group of suspects terrorizing the Mariannhill area and its surroundings.
Netshiunda elaborated, “When we pounced on the suspects early this morning (Wednesday), they fired shots at the police and the police retaliated. After the shootout, it was found that the nine suspects had succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds.”
Nine suspects were wanted for various crimes
The suspects were wanted for various violent crimes, including a case of gang rape during a house robbery, where they allegedly forced the victim’s mother to witness the ordeal.
Moreover, it is believed that the suspects were planning to carry out a targeted killing. “Four firearms have so far been found in possession of the suspects, and a search is still ongoing. A manhunt for the outstanding two suspects is underway,” Netshiunda added.
The KZN police shootout with nine suspects incident has highlighted the escalating level of crime in the area, with community members expressing their concerns.
The resident spoke in Isizulu, and the following quote is translated into English for clarity.
One resident, speaking to SABC, lamented, “The level of crime has risen in this area, people even want to move from the area.” She added, “We are unsettled here; we are always hearing gunshots.”
The suspects had taken over this property in Desai, turning it into their base.
Although residents were being robbed and raped, they were threatened and told not to open cases. @eNCA pic.twitter.com/SFx0a1kO7g
— Dasen Thathiah (@DasenThathiah) April 3, 2024
Additionally, the successful operation by the KZN police underscores the importance of well-equipped and agile law enforcement agencies in combating organised crime and ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
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