KWAMSANE – Forensic officers at a crime scene in KwaZulu-Natal received the shock of their lives when a suspected robber they believed was dead, suddenly regained consciousness while they were photographing a crime scene.

This comes after three suspected armed robbers were shot during a shootout with police in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The dramatic incident unfolded after officers received a report of an armed robbery in Hluhluwe on Monday evening. Police spotted a vehicle matching the description of the hijacked car travelling southbound on the N2 highway and immediately gave chase.

The uMkhanyakude District Task Team provided backup as the pursuit continued from the Hluhluwe policing area into KwaMsane, where the fleeing suspects opened fire on officers.

KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the gun battle left three suspects with what appeared to be fatal injuries.

“Three suspects were believed to have been fatally wounded; however, the third suspect woke up when the forensics were taking photographs, and he was rushed to hospital under police guard,” Netshiunda said.

Police recovered three firearms from the suspects at the scene. No officers were injured during the confrontation.

Authorities are continuing to search for at least three additional suspects who managed to escape during the shootout.

The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about violent crime in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly armed robberies and hijackings.

The wounded suspect remains in hospital under police guard and is expected to face charges once he recovers.