Elderly man sparks shootout with KZN cops during late-night arrest spree

Police officers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) had multiple dramatic incidents to attend to on Monday night, as one of several operations they conducted to root out criminals in the Durban area resulted in a shootout between their multi-disciplinary team and an elderly man who they were able to apprehend. 

A coordinated series of raids on suspected hideouts in the area conducted by members of the Pietermaritzburg Public Order Police, Crime Intelligence and Dalton detectives led to a series of arrests, with their efforts lauded by the provincial police minister. 

Police involved in shootout with elderly man  

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said in a statement that the team of officers first proceeded to the Inadi area to follow up information they had received about a suspect who was in possession of illegal firearm. She said that the suspect fled the scene when police arrived, but that his unlicensed firearm – a pistol with eight rounds of ammunition – was seized by the police.

The real drama took place shortly thereafter when the team proceeded to Njengabantu area.

“While en route, they were met by a hail of bullets,” said Gwala. “An unknown suspect from one of the houses opened fire at the police officers who were performing  their duties in the area. A 65-year-old suspect was then placed under arrest for charges of attempted murder.”

Gwala said that no injuries were sustained by police officers, and said that the man’s licensed rifle was seized by police for further investigation. The suspect is appearing before the New Hanover Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 23 March.

Police Commissioner condemns violence against officers  

Despite the hairy situation the team had just taken art in, they moved to the Mtulwa area in Dalton where a 23-year-old suspect was placed under arrest after being found asleep in his house. 

“The suspect was sought on a case of robbery and a burglary case that were committed in October and December last year. The suspect will appear in the New Hanover Magistrates’ Court soon,” said Gwala. 

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner for KZN, Major-General Thulani Gonya, praised the team for the apprehension of suspects, and continued to condemn violence against the province’s law enforcement officers.

“We will make that all those who are attacking police officers while executing their duties are put behind the bars. These operations are still ongoing in the province,” he said.