Yesterday afternoon, 10 January 2014 at about 16:00, Ulundi TRT, Ulundi Public Order Police and neighbouring stations were patrolling at Ulundi area when they saw a suspicious looking vehicle with five occupants.
The members tried to stop it but the driver sped off. A chase was ensued and it is alleged that the suspects started to shoot towards the members. The members retaliated and one suspect (19) was fatally wounded. Two were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment under police guard. The other two suspects were also arrested. The said vehicle Toyota Corolla was searched and an unlicensed 9mm firearm with six live rounds as well as uniform stolen from a traffic officer were recovered. The vehicle was circulated and came as a stolen vehicle from Gauteng in December last year.
All arrested suspects aged between 27 and 36 years were charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen car, attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen police uniform. They will appear in the Mahlabathini Magistrate’s court on Monday, 13 January 2014. The recovered firearm will be sent for ballistic tests to establish if it was used in any other crimes in the country.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni applauded the swift arrest of the culprits. “We will not tolerate criminals who are attacking our members while executing their duties. Nothing will prohibit us from arresting the suspects even when we came under fire,” she said.
Media Statement from KwaZulu Natal Media Centre
Corporate Communication
South African Police Service