Two wanted armed robbers were shot and killed by KwaZulu-Natal police during a dramatic confrontation in Waterfall early on Wednesday morning.
According to police, the operation was launched after intelligence led officers to a residential complex where the suspects were believed to be hiding. The men, who had been linked to a string of violent robberies across the province, were tracked down following days of investigation and surveillance.
When law enforcement officials approached the premises, the suspects allegedly opened fire on them. Police spokesperson Colonel Thabo Mthethwa confirmed that officers immediately returned fire in self-defence, resulting in both suspects being fatally wounded on the scene.
“During the operation, the suspects fired multiple shots at our members, who responded accordingly. Unfortunately, both suspects succumbed to their injuries. None of our officers were harmed during the incident,” said Colonel Mthethwa.
After securing the scene, officers conducted a thorough search of the premises. Inside the suspects’ hideout, they discovered several firearms believed to have been used in recent robberies, along with explosives and other incriminating materials. The recovered weapons will be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether they are linked to other crimes in the province.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the deceased were part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in armed robberies and cash-in-transit heists. Police believe the group has been operating in the greater Durban area and may have been planning another robbery before officers intercepted them.
Residents in the Waterfall community were shaken by the morning’s events but expressed relief that police had acted swiftly. “We heard gunshots just after dawn and didn’t know what was happening. It’s scary, but we’re grateful that the police were able to stop them,” said one resident, who asked not to be named.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi praised the officers involved for their courage and professionalism. “Our teams are committed to ensuring that criminals who threaten the safety of our communities are brought to justice. While it is unfortunate when lives are lost, our officers have the right to defend themselves when attacked,” he said.
Mkhwanazi added that the police would continue to intensify operations targeting armed gangs and violent offenders across the province. “We will not allow criminal elements to terrorise our citizens. The discovery of explosives and weapons in this case is clear evidence of the kind of danger our members face daily,” he added.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been informed of the incident and will conduct a routine investigation, as is standard procedure in all police shootings.
The identities of the deceased suspects have not yet been released pending formal identification and notification of their families.
Authorities have urged the public to continue reporting criminal activities and suspicious behaviour to the police as efforts to dismantle armed robbery networks in KwaZulu-Natal continue.
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