Senior KZN police officer gunned down in Greytown shootout as manhunt launches - IOL
A senior KZN police officer was shot dead and a Sergeant wounded during an R33 shootout with robbery suspects near Greytown, sparking a massive manhunt.
A senior police officer has been gunned down in Greytown and her colleagues sustained injuries during a shootout between police and suspected robbers on Thursday afternoon.
The fallen officer, who held the rank of Colonel, died at the scene along the R33 road towards Msinga while pursuing the suspects linked to a violent business robbery.
KwaZulu-Natal police have launched an intensive manhunt for the group of armed suspects that were involved in the shooting.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Station Commander had responded alongside her members to a business robbery in progress in Greytown. During the robbery, a shop owner was shot and injured, while employees were assaulted.
At least 10 suspects fled the business premises in a Toyota Quantum. Leading from the front, the Station Commander, working together with private security officers, pursued the getaway vehicle and intercepted the suspects on the R33 road heading towards Msinga.
A gun battle broke out between the suspects and the police. During the exchange of gunfire, the suspects shot the Station Commander, who was declared dead at the scene. A police Sergeant was also shot in the arm and was rushed to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Police returned fire during the confrontation, fatally wounding two suspects. A third suspect sustained gunshot wounds, was placed under arrest, and was transported to hospital under heavy police guard.
Officers recovered three firearms, two rifles and a handgun from the suspects at the scene. The remaining suspects abandoned the area and fled on foot into the nearby mountains to evade arrest.
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba condemned the fatal shooting and vowed that police would deploy every available resource to track down the remaining suspects.
"An attack to police officers is an attack to the State and police will use every available resource to trace the suspects," Makoba said. "The suspects will know no peace and police hunt them day and night."
Extending condolences to the slain officer's loved ones and colleagues, Makoba added: "On behalf of the management of police in KwaZulu-Natal and the entire workforce, I send our heartfelt words of condolences to the family of the fallen heroine. The least we can offer now is justice and we shall find the suspects, dead or alive."
