WATCH| 9 suspects shot and killed during shootout with police in KZN

In KwaZulu-Natal, police engaged in a shootout with nine suspects in Desai, Mariannhill, resulting in their deaths in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

According to The Citizens, the men were wanted for various crimes, including rape and house robbery.

Crime scene

According to Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, officers received intelligence and successfully cornered the gang before the exchange of gunfire occurred.

“Although the police were ambushed when they erroneously knocked at the wrong house, the tactically astute officers managed to retaliate and neutralise the threat with none of them suffering any injuries.

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“The suspects were also sought in connection with a case of rape where they allegedly gang-raped a girl and made her mother watch the ordeal during a house robbery. They were also on the police’s radar for serious and violent crimes in the area When police caught up with them, intelligence had uncovered that the suspects were plotting to execute a hit on someone,” Netshiunda said.

Netshiunda added that police have launched a manhunt for two of the men who managed to escape.

“Three firearms have so far been found in possession of the suspects and a search is still ongoing. A manhunt for outstanding two suspects is underway,” Netshiunda said.

The residents have commended the police and expressed joy over the killing of the suspects as they were allegedly terrorising the community in the area.