KOSI BAY – Three suspects were shot and killed, and three others wounded, during a fierce gun battle with police in the Phelandaba area of Emanguzi on Sunday, 30 November.
The incident took place when police officers moved to apprehend suspects wanted in connection with four separate murder cases spanning over two years, police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said.
Police had been tracking the suspects, who were wanted for three murders committed in Emanguzi in 2023 and another killing that took place in Ingwavuma in October 2025.
“Police received intelligence that the wanted suspects were at Phelandaba,” Netshiunda said. “When police approached them, the suspects fired shots at police officers.”
The officers returned fire to protect themselves and nearby residents, leading to an intense shootout. Two suspects died on the scene, while four others were rushed to a nearby medical facility where a third suspect died upon arrival.
Police recovered two firearms from the suspects, one of which had its serial number partially filed off. More concerning, preliminary investigations revealed that the second weapon was a police-issued firearm reported as lost at Newlands East police station in Durban, in April 2009.
ALSO READ: Murder probe after three killed in police shoot-out in Parktown
Police records show the same firearm was recovered at Nhlanhleni police station in 2010, raising serious questions about how it subsequently found its way into criminal hands.
“Investigations are underway to establish how the firearm ended up in the hands of criminals again,” police stated. “Those who will be found to be responsible for negligence or any act of criminality will face the full might of the law.”
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about police weapon security and the circulation of lost or stolen service firearms among criminal networks in KwaZulu-Natal.
The three injured suspects remain under police guard while receiving medical treatment. No police officers were injured.
