Three suspects killed in shootout with police in KZN

Three people suspected of robbing a tavern have been killed in a shootout with police in KwaZulu-Natal.

Officers say a group of five men robbed the liquor outlet in Newlands West on Tuesday evening and stole an undisclosed amount of cash, alcohol and cellphones.

The suspects were found driving a car matching the description of a reported getaway vehicle.

Police Spokesperson Paul Magwaza says officers signalled for the car to stop, but the driver sped off.

“After a short while the suspect’s vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The occupants alighted from the vehicle and began firing shots towards the police. In defence of their lives, police returned fire, and in the process, three suspects were fatally wounded whilst two of them fled into the bush. Police recovered a 9mm pistol, cellphones, and bottles of alcohol, as well as an undisclosed amount of money.” said Magwaza

He adds that one pistol was recovered from the scene while a manhunt continues for the two suspects that fled.