Zimoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
KWAZULU NATAL: A police sergeant is among three suspected armed robbers who were shot and killed in a shootout with police in two separate shooting incidents in Ntuzuma in Durban on Sunday. According to police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, six suspects stormed a store in Richmond and held the shop owner and the staff at gunpoint before robbing the victims of their firearms and an undisclosed amount of money. The suspects were later traced to a house on Mgwenya Avenue in Lindelani, which belongs to a known CIT suspect who is out on bail. When the suspects realised the presence of the police, they opened fire as they ran out of the house. Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded at the scene. They were both found wearing police headdresses, with one of them in possession of a police firearm and a police bulletproof vest.
A vehicle belonging to a police officer who had just reported off duty earlier in the morning from his night shift at KwaMashu police station, was found at the scene. Netshiunda said that the police received information about an injured police officer who was hiding inside a shack at the Phindangene informal settlement in Ntuzuma B. When police arrived at the scene, the police sergeant fired shots, and the police retaliated and shot him dead. He was found to be the owner of a police firearm, which was found in possession of the slain suspect at the first crime scene, as well as the owner of the vehicle. A manhunt is still underway for the remaining three suspects, who are still at large.
LIMPOPO: The police in Levubu have opened murder and inquest dockets after a 27-year-old man allegedly hacked his wife to death with an axe before taking his own life. The incident occurred at the couple's residence in Ha-Mashau Misevhe village on Saturday. Upon arrival at the scene, the police found the female victim with severe injuries and the male suspect hanging from the rooftop. The motive behind the incident is currently unknown, but domestic violence is suspected.
GAUTENG: A 40-year-old Zambian national was intercepted as he arrived in the country from Zambia at the OR Tambo International Airport yesterday. The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in the country. He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman who was kidnapped in Helderkruin, Roodepoort last month. He was rescued on the same day that police made the discovery of R300 million worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma. The suspect is also believed to be the main suspect in the R300 million crystal meth drugs that were seized. He suspects is expected to be charged with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.
LIMPOPO: A 58-year-old man was arrested for allegedly hacking his 33-year-old biological son to death on Thursday in Maulama Village, Nzhelele. It's alleged that the suspect had been fighting with his son, whom he allegedly hacked with a spade. The victim was found inside the house with a deep head wound and was certified dead. The suspect was reportedly assaulted by the community before police arrival and was hospitalised but later discharged. The incident occurred during a domestic violence related dispute. The suspect will appear in Dzanani Magistrates Court this morning on a charge of murder.
NOTHERN CAPE: More than 200 suspects were arrested on various offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, and dealing and possession of drugs in five districts in Nothern Cape during Operation Shanela, which started last week Wednesday. Detectives in Frances Baard, Namakwa, ZF Mgcawu, JTG, and Pixley Ka Seme districts in total arrested 287 wanted suspects during tracing operations for evading court appearances and contravening court orders. Large volumes of alcoholic beverages and non-ferrous metal items were seized, as well as huge amounts of drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing during different raids at various locations.
