Two Suspected Inanda Gang Members Killed In Umlazi Shootout With Police

Two men believed to be behind a string of violent crimes in Inanda, north of Durban, were shot and killed during a dramatic shootout with police in Umlazi on Monday morning.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that the suspects opened fire on officers after being cornered at an informal settlement on Silwane Khoza Road in D Section, Umlazi.

“Police gathered intelligence regarding the whereabouts of the suspects and, when they pounced, the suspects fired shots towards police officers. Police returned fire, and during the resultant shootout, two suspects were fatally wounded,” said Netshiunda.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Six Suspects Nabbed After Truck Hijacking Foiled In R500K Meat Heist

Two firearms, five rounds of live ammunition, and three spent cartridges were recovered at the scene. Netshiunda said the guns will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes across KwaZulu-Natal.

Neighbours Say Police Officer Was Seen With Inanda Suspects Night Before

Residents in the area described a chaotic scene, with gunfire breaking out just after dawn.

“We were woken up by the sound of heavy gunfire, and when we went out to check, police shouted at us to return to our rooms,” one neighbour told reporters. “We later discovered that police were in a shootout with the two men. After the shooting, we recognised a police officer that we saw last night with these two men.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Heroic Father Dies Protecting Toddler In Reiger Park Mass Shooting

Another resident claimed the pair had been partying through the night before the gunfire erupted, adding to speculation about a possible undercover police operation.

Police Probe Ongoing

While authorities confirmed the men were linked to several violent crimes in Inanda and surrounding areas, they have not yet revealed details about those cases.

Netshiunda assured the public that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) would be informed of the incident, as per standard procedure following fatal police shootings.

“The recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if they are linked to other crimes in the province,” he said.

The investigation continues.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky