Two suspects are due to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court soon facing armed robbery, attempted murder and possession of illegal firearm and ammunition charges. They were arrested last night at KwaNgcolosi in Hillcrest. The third suspect died after a shootout with police. Goods such as cigarettes and liquor that were allegedly taken during the robbery at a tavern were recovered. A policeman’s firearm was also recovered from the suspects including an illegal firearm belonging to the suspects.
Last night at 22.00, Hillcrest police officers were conducting crime prevention duties at KwaNgcolosi when they stopped at a shop near Mkhulu’s tavern. One police officer walked into the shop, unaware of a robbery at the tavern, as he walked in, he was approached by a group of suspects who overpowered him and disarmed him of his service pistol. The suspects fled the scene using their getaway vehicle with stolen items such as cigarettes, liquor, cash, cellphones and laptops. The police officers gave chase and it is alleged that during the chase, there was an exchange of gunfire between police and the suspects.
The suspect’s vehicle came to a standstill and they attempted to flee on foot while shooting at the police officers. Police retaliated and one suspect was fatally wounded whilst the second suspect was injured. The third suspect was later arrested by police officers from the K9 Unit. The injured suspect was taken to hospital under police guard. Police officers recovered two firearms including the one that was taken from the police officer. The arrested suspects will be profiled to establish if they are wanted for other crimes in the country.
