Ambushed KZN Crime Intelligence Officers Were On Undercover Operation: SAPS Confirms

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have confirmed that two crime intelligence officers who were ambushed by armed suspects in Mount Edgecombe, north of Durban, on Thursday were conducting an undercover operation at the time of the attack.

The incident resulted in one officer being killed, while another sustained injuries during a crossfire with the suspects.

Authorities say the attackers later abandoned and set alight their getaway vehicle at the scene.

SAPS Details Events Leading To Mount Edgecombe Ambush

Speaking at the scene, South African Police Service Major-General Anthony Gopaul revealed that the suspects had been monitoring the officers prior to the ambush and attempted to intercept them.

He added that investigators are currently working across three separate crime scenes linked to the incident, as efforts intensify to piece together what transpired.

Gopaul also confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for three suspects believed to be involved in the deadly attack.

Police Urged To Act In Self-Defence Amid Rising Threats

The incident has prompted renewed calls within the police service for officers to rely on their training when confronted with life-threatening situations.

Gopaul stated that it remains unclear whether the officers managed to return fire during the ambush.

“We’ve made the call to police officers that we have trained them, we have equipped them, we trained them in how they should retaliate in the threats against them. Also, in terms of Section 49, it says they must use appropriate action relevant and equivalent to the force and in this instance, it is gunfire.

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“Gunfire, they cannot be any other way for them to protect themselves or their life around them, it is to retaliate with gunfire and similarly our call is on police officers to use the training and the tools we give them.”

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack as the search for the suspects remains ongoing.