Five suspected criminals killed in Inanda shootout with police

Five suspected criminals have been killed in a confrontation with the police in Inanda north of Durban. 

The shooting took place in the notorious bester area in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Police say the suspects were wanted for attempted murder, murder and robbery.

Community members in the crime riddle bester area in Inanda woke up to gun sounds during the confrontation between suspects and police officers Thursday morning.

Officers said the suspected criminals opened fire first while being approached.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said "we announced that we are here, we are police, they shot at police. Police were left with no choice but to shoot back and during that shootout five suspects were shot and fatally and we have so far found four firearms before the search of the house maybe will get more firearms.”