The SAPS says Mbuso Biyela was linked to eight cases, including the murder of a police officer last year. 

Spokesperson Brenda Muridili says a joint task team from KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng traced Biyela to a house in Sahlumbe Village in Weenen and went to the area at 3am on Monday morning to arrest him. 

"The team tactically approached the house where Biyela was hiding but when he spotted them, he started firing shots towards the members who were forced to retaliate. Biyela was fatally wounded. 

"None of the members sustained injuries. The team recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition upon entering the house."

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Biyela was previously arrested in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng for murder in August 2020 and October 2021 respectively, but he managed to escape from custody.

"Biyela was positively linked to five Jabulani cases of murder that were committed between October 2021 and March 2022," says Muridili.

Biyela also linked to a hijacking in Lenasia and a murder in KZN in 2020. Gauteng police last month issued a reward of R100 000 for information that would lead to his arrest. 

Meanwhile the Provincial Police Commissioner, Elias Mawela has commended the team behind this morning's