Police recover SAPS firearm lost in 2009 after deadly shootout with suspects in KwaZulu-Natal
Three suspects were killed in shootout with police in Emanguzi, in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
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Police have launched an investigation after a police-issued firearm that went missing more than a decade ago resurfaced in criminal hands after a deadly shootout in Emanguzi, northern KwaZulu-Natal that left three suspects dead and three others injured.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a confrontation unfolded on Sunday, when police traced a group of wanted suspects to the Phelandaba area.
He said the individuals are linked to three murders committed in Emanguzi in 2023 and another killing in Ingwavuma in October this year.
Netshiunda said that officers came under fire when they approached the suspects.
“When police approached them, the suspects fired shots at police officers. To protect themselves and other innocent residents, police returned fire and a shootout ensued,” said Netshiunda.
Two suspects were killed on the scene, and four others, who were injured, were taken to a nearby health facility where one of them was declared dead on arrival.
Netshiunda said two firearms were found in possession of the suspects. One of them had its serial number partially filed off whilst preliminary investigations revealed that the other firearm was a police firearm which was reported as a lost firearm at Newlands East in April 2009.
He said police records further indicate that the same firearm was recovered at Nhlanhleni police station in 2010 and an investigation would be conducted on how it landed in the hands of criminals.
He stressed that accountability will follow wherever negligence or criminality is found. “Investigations are underway to establish how the firearm ended up in the hands of criminals again. Those who will be found to be responsible for negligence or any act of criminality will face the full might of the law,” said Netshiunda.
Police say operations targeting violent groups in the region will continue as part of broader efforts to curb murders and firearm-related crimes in northern KwaZulu-Natal.