KwaZulu-Natal police arrest suspect for attempted murder after Phoenix shootout
Police officers and private security company personnel at the scene of a shootout in Phoenix, Durban.
Image: KZN VIP Protection Services
KwaZulu-Natal police arrested a suspect who shot at police officers in Phoenix, Durban. The firearm belonged to a man who was killed last month.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when officers noticed a suspicious vehicle, leading to a chase that ended with an exchange of gunfire.
“Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested a suspect for attempted murder of police officers, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition following an incident in which police noticed a suspicious vehicle with five occupants and pursued it,” said KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
He said the vehicle was intercepted on the corner of Stanmore Drive and Phoenix Highway.
“One person fled from the vehicle while the other four remained inside the vehicle. Police gave chase, and the suspect started shooting at police officers. Police fired back until the suspect was arrested. He was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition,” Netshiunda said.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the firearm belonged to a man who was killed at Inanda in December 2025.”
Netshiunda said a gas gun was found inside the vehicle.
He also said no one was injured.
“The suspects will appear in court soon,” Netshiunda added.
A firearm was recovered from the scene.
Image: KZN VIP Protection Services
KZN VIP Protection Services spokesperson Gareth Naidoo added: “A stationary security vehicle was also struck following the shootout.”
He said that for an extended period, the area remained cordoned off as police conducted their investigations.
“KZN VIP commends SAPS for their swift response and continued efforts in combating crime and ensuring public safety,” added Naidoo.
This incident comes a day after a shootout with police which left Mlondi Zithumane Gasela, 35, owner of Gasela Protection Services, and his bodyguard, Mlungisi Gambushe, 49, dead.
Police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu said that in the early hours of Monday morning, Gasela and Gambushe engaged police in a shootout in Margate, Uvongo.
Ndlovu said that acting on intelligence about unlicensed firearms, police approached a house and announced their presence, receiving no response. Upon entering, two occupants inside fired at the officers. Police returned fire, killing both suspects. They recovered two AK-47 assault rifles and three pistols. No police officers were injured in the shootout.
However, the Gasela family, who allege police misconduct, has strongly challenged the police’s official account of events.
Ipid spokesperson Phaladi Shuping confirmed that the investigators attended the scene and that investigations are ongoing.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za