Suspected hitman killed in shootout with police in Newlands East
Police are trying to establish the identities of two suspected hitmen who fled the scene of a shootout, leaving one of their accomplices dead in Newlands East, north of Durban.
Officers received a tip-off about a hit that was supposed to be carried out at a school in the area.
KZN police spokesperson Jay Naicker says an officer on patrol spotted the alleged hitmen in a vehicle on Wednesday.
He tried to get them to pull them over, but came under fire.
"Following a shootout, the suspects fled in their vehicle with police officers in pursuit," says Naicker.
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"When the men were cornered at a dead-end, two suspects alighted from the vehicle and fled into the bushes. The driver of the vehicle passed away due to injuries sustained during the shootout.
"Police recovered an automatic rifle, two pistols, two two-way radios and 40 rounds of ammunition in the suspect's vehicle."
Cases of attempted murder are being investigated.
Naicker's meanwhile, appealed to community members to assist the police with information.
"We need communities to expose criminals even if they are your friends or relatives."
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