A feared gang leader of the notorious Inanda West Gang and his accomplice were killed in a shootout with police at Cottonlands in Verulam, KZN.
The incident happened on Thursday afternoon.
KZN POLICE GUN DOWN FEARED GANG LEADER
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police operationalised intelligence about the gang leader and his two accomplices who were driving to Umhlanga, reportedly to collect drugs and ammunition.
Netshiunda said when the three left Umhlanga, they swapped vehicles and vigilant police managed to identify them and followed them until the suspects parked their vehicle along Vincent Dickinson Road in Cottonlands.
“When police approached their vehicle, the suspects opened fire towards the police and a shootout ensued. The 22-year-old gang leader and his 27-year-old accomplice sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shootout. A search is underway for the third suspect who narrowly evaded arrest.
“The gang leader had a warrant of arrest against him in a case of murder. He was linked to over 20 cases and had allegedly killed over 10 people. His other cases included attempted murder, robberies, intimidation and arson. The suspects’ vehicle was yet to be thoroughly searched, however, a firearm had already been found in the possession of the gang leader,” Netshiunda explained.
MKHWANAZI APPLAUDS OFFICERS
Meanwhile, KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has applauded the officers who relentlessly searched for the main suspect who was terrorising the communities of Inanda, KwaMashu and the surrounding areas.
Mkhwanazi said the ideal situation would be for the police to have arrested the suspect alive so that he could face his charges in court and bring closure to many of his victims and their families.
“He unfortunately attempted to kill police officers and such an act invited the police to defend themselves, and in doing so he decided his own fate,” Mkhwanazi said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK SHOULD BE DONE TO PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM RESORTING TO CRIME?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article.
You can also email info@thesouthafrican.com or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Also, follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
