The KwaZulu-Natal Hawks have confirmed that a known criminal, who was linked to the murder of a National Intervention Unit (NIU) member, was shot dead in Durban last week.
The NIU member, Warrant Officer Sthembiso Mazibuko, was tragically shot and killed in a shootout with suspects at a house in Ntuzuma C Section on Tuesday last week.
Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Simphiwe Mhlongo, stated that the suspect was shot dead during a confrontation with the police in Inanda on Tuesday, October 24. The suspect was found to be in possession of a firearm and live rounds of ammunition.
As a result, a case of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition, and an inquest were reported at Inanda police station.
At the time of Mazibuko’s murder, four individuals, two men and two women, who were in the house, were also killed. Furthermore, another police officer sustained gunshot wounds and was urgently taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Of the suspects who were shot dead, one of them was on the police’s list of most wanted individuals. He was allegedly connected to at least 12 murders that occurred from September 2023 until the present time in the Durban North areas.
Shockingly, some of his victims were members of the Community Policing Forum.
Warrant Officer Sthembiso Mazibuko was laid to rest on Sunday, October 22, as family, friends, and colleagues paid their final respects to a dedicated and brave officer who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
His commitment to serving and protecting the community will always be remembered.
