IPID questions police version of fatal Durban shootout

Police watchdog Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has approached the Director of Public Prosecutions in KwaZulu-Natal to probe the circumstances surrounding a deadly shootout between officers and criminals in Durban.

The case relates to a high-speed chase near Duffs Road that ended in an exchange of fire when suspects allegedly shot at police. Four suspects were shot and killed in the incident, which happened in March last year.

IPID now believes there is reason to question the police’s version of events, and more so their actions. The watchdog believes there are loopholes in the police’s details regarding what led to the death of four suspects during the incident last year.

IPID strongly suspects police acted unjustly when they shot and killed the four, who allegedly opened fire first. It says the evidence provided by the police is not consistent with the case docket.

In a leaked letter seen by EWN, IPID authorities say police twisted their story after video footage emerged showing the suspects cooperating with police.

IPID has told EWN that it can only comment on the matter after getting a response from the DPP. KZN police are yet to weigh in.