Four dead, seven arrested following high-speed shootout with jewellery robbery syndicate

Police have linked four suspects, killed in a shootout with officers earlier on Friday, to a long list of business robberies across KwaZulu-Natal.

The group was fatally wounded after attempting to evade arrest and opening fire on police during a high-speed chase. The incident occurred in Woodlands, south of Durban.

Authorities have confirmed that seven additional suspects who were injured in the exchange of gunfire have been placed under arrest. While forensic teams continue to process the crime scene, a manhunt is underway for several other suspects who managed to flee the authorities.

A STRING OF HIGH-END HEISTS
Police have confirmed that the suspects are notorious for targeting jewellery stores. This includes a robbery in uThongathi, northern KZN, which took place yesterday.

Garrith Jamieson, spokesperson for Advanced Life Support Paramedics, described the scene:

"Four suspects sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies. Paramedics are currently treating the injured while SAPS have them under guard."

SYNDICATE OPERATIONS

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda stated that the group operated as a sophisticated syndicate.

"They are also linked with a robbery that happened in Kloof, also at a jewellery store. This appears to be a syndicate that has been dealing with jewellery," Netshiunda said.

In addition to the primary suspects, police have apprehended a female associate found with the group. Investigators are hopeful that she will provide information leading to the arrest of the remaining members of the syndicate currently at large.