Midland’s shoot-out suspects killed in KwaMashu raid

Suspects involved in the Midland’s shootout were tracked in an intelligence driven operation and found residing in a hostel in KwaMashu.

Three suspects from the gang that was involved in the shootout in Seven Oaks, near Greytown, two weeks ago were shot dead on Saturday morning.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) National Intervention Unit, Hawks, K9 Unit, Durban Flying Squad, KwaMashu police and KwaZulu Natal War Room conducted an intelligence driven operation following an investigation into a gang that was involved in the Seven Oaks shootout. Police proceeded to Kholwa Road, KwaMashu Hostel and approached a house where the gunmen were playing pool.

Police introduced themselves and the gunmen opened fire on the policemen. Police returned fire and in three men were fatally wounded whilst the others fled. Police recovered three firearms from the deceased, which included two pistols and a revolver with their serial numbers filed off.

KwaMashu police have opened cases of attempted murder and inquest. The recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to ascertain if they were used in any other crimes in the country. Police will continue with the investigation to arrest those that are still on the run.

The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni praised police on conducting the operation and recovering the firearms. ”It is disturbing that these wanted men were hiding out in the hostel. We urge the community residing in the hostel not to harbour criminals. This type of behaviour is contributing to serious and violent crimes in the hostel,” she said.