Three suspected hitmen arrested following hit at petrol station
Three suspected hitmen, thought to be involved in the tax industry, have been arrested in connection with a double killing at an Utrecht petrol station-north of KZN.
It is alleged on Friday afternoon three men were seated inside a car when they were shot by unknown suspects travelling in another vehicle.
Two men aged between 27 and 47 died on the scene, while the third victim was rushed to hospital.
SAPS spokesperson Nqobile Gwala says investigators managed to speedily track the suspects travelling between Dundee and Nquthu.
"Upon officers approaching the suspects' vehicle a shootout ensued which saw the suspects abandon the vehicle and flee on foot into the bushes, but were successfully apprehended", she said.
"Three suspects aged between 27 and 47 have been arrested while a fourth managed to evade police. Three AK-47s with 84 rounds of ammunition were found in the suspects position", Gwala said.
"The suspects will be profiled to establish whether they are involved in taxi violence incidents as well as other reported cases in Gauteng", she said.
The trio will appear at the Nquthu Magistrate court tomorrow on charges of illegal possession firearms and ammunition, murder and attempted murder.