INANDA – A suspect wanted in connection with the killing of two crime Intelligence officers was fatally wounded in a shootout with police at Emaplasini in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday morning, 25 September.

Five alleged accomplices were also arrested during an intelligence-led multidisciplinary operation conducted in various parts of the province.

Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo were ambushed in Mount Edgecombe in April 2026. Following the killings, a prosecutorial-guided investigation was launched to identify and apprehend those allegedly responsible.

In the early hours of Friday morning, police conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting suspects linked to the murders.

Five suspects were arrested in Pinetown, Amanzimtoti, Mandeni and Newlands West.

Three-hour standoff with police

The sixth suspect, who was reportedly wanted in connection with the officers’ killings, refused to comply with police instructions and opened fire from inside a house at Emaplasini.

The standoff lasted approximately three hours, while police negotiated with the suspect. The negotiations eventually resulted in him releasing his girlfriend, who had been inside the house.

The suspect was subsequently shot and fatally wounded during the operation.

A Special Task Force member was also shot in the hand during the operation. He received first aid medical attention and is reportedly in good spirits.

The five arrested suspects are currently being processed and are expected to appear in court on Monday, 28 September.

The investigation into the killings of the two Crime Intelligence officers remains ongoing.

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