Two men died following a shooting and police chase in Westville, west of Durban, on Thursday morning, prompting an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Police have opened cases of murder and attempted murder after the incident, which ended at a petrol station on Harry Gwala Road near the N3 highway.
Authorities say a white BMW carrying three occupants was initially spotted by private security officers on the M19. According to KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, the suspects opened fire when the security officers attempted to follow the vehicle, triggering a high-speed chase.
“The occupants of the vehicle opened fire on the guards, which led to a pursuit that ended at a fuel station,” Netshiunda said.
One man was found dead inside the BMW with gunshot wounds when the vehicle came to a stop. A second suspect reportedly attempted to flee the scene but fell to his death while trying to jump over a wall at the petrol station.
Police confirmed that the BMW was fitted with cloned number plates. The driver later surrendered to authorities and was arrested. Two firearms were also recovered from the vehicle.
Emergency services from ALS Paramedics responded to the scene. Spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said paramedics were directed to the vehicle upon arrival.
“It is believed that SAPS and security officials were chasing a vehicle suspected to be linked to incidents in the Pinetown area when a shootout occurred,” Jamieson said.
He confirmed that two people were declared dead at the scene.
The area was cordoned off while police conducted investigations. Authorities say inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the shooting are ongoing.