Orrin Singh31 January 2024 | 4:12

3 suspected members of West Gang killed in shootout with KZN police

Eyewitness News understands that police followed up on information regarding the whereabouts of suspected members of the West Gang, who were wanted in connection with crimes committed in Inanda.

3 suspected members of West Gang killed in shootout with KZN police

Picture: X/SAPoliceService

JOHANNESBURG - Three suspected members of a notorious gang that's been terrorising the KwaZulu-Natal community of Inanda have been shot and killed by police.

Eyewitness News understands that officers followed up on information regarding the whereabouts of the suspected members of the so-called West Gang.

Last year, Eyewitness News reported extensively about the West Gang, which has been terrorising the community of Inanda, dubbed South Africa's murder and rape capital.

READ: SA's murder capital: Inanda residents terrorised by 'West Gang' youngsters

It's understood that police were met with gunfire when they found the gang sheltered in an informal structure in La Mercy, north of Durban in the early hours of this morning.

Last year, Eyewitness News reported that more than 50 murders were committed by the group of mostly youngsters last year alone.

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi confirmed to Eyewitness News last year that the West Gang were behind a spate of killings in Inanda. 

"They get recruited to the underworld and start selling drugs for other people and once they touch that crack cocaine, they become animals. That becomes then the biggest problem because they fear nothing. They get hold of firearms and begin terrorising communities on all fronts."