Three hitmen were shot and killed during a shoot-out with members of the SAPS's National Intervention Unit (NIU) when they were on their way to carry out an alleged assassination a well-known taxi boss. The incident happened in Eshowe in the north coast of KwaZulu Natal on Thursday afternoon.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the incident. Netshiunda said police officers from the KZN provincial stabilization team were acting on intelligence about the suspects who were carrying firearms and were believed to be on their way to execute an assassination. "The suspects were intercepted near King Dinizulu and police officers signalled for the suspects' vehicle to stop but they sped-off and a high-speed chase ensued. Realising that police were catching up with them, the three suspects got out of their vehicle and fired shot at the police. The tactically astute police officers returned fire and the three suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout," he said, adding that one police officer was injured during the shootout.

It's alleged that earlier on the day, the three hitmen had gone to a traditional healer to seek muthi for protection as they were going to assassinate a taxi boss. The hitmen then went and camped at a petrol station to wait for the taxi owner when they were intercepted According to the police, two firearms, one with a serial number filed off and several rounds of ammunition were found in the possession of the suspects. "A search inside the suspects's vehicle led to the recovery of a hand grenade and rounds of ammunition of a rifle. Two of the suspects have been identified and were allegedly involved in several cases of taxi-related murder and attempted murder cases within the King Cetshwayo District," Netshiunda said.