A notorious gang leader from the Inanda West Gang and his accomplice were shot and killed in a shootout with police in Cottonlands, Verulam, on Thursday afternoon.
Police had been tracking the gang leader and his two accomplices as they traveled to Umhlanga to allegedly collect drugs and ammunition. After switching vehicles upon leaving Umhlanga, officers identified and followed them to Vincent Dickinson Road in Cottonlands.
As police moved in to apprehend the suspects, they opened fire, prompting a shootout. The 22-year-old gang leader and his 27-year-old accomplice were fatally wounded, while a third suspect managed to escape and remains at large.
The slain gang leader had a warrant of arrest for murder and was linked to over 20 cases, including at least 10 killings, attempted murder, robbery, intimidation, and arson. A firearm was recovered from him, and a full search of the suspects’ vehicle is still underway.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi praised the officers involved in tracking down the suspect, who had long terrorized communities in Inanda, KwaMashu, and surrounding areas.
"The ideal outcome would have been for the suspect to be arrested and face justice in court, bringing closure to his victims and their families. However, when he attempted to kill police officers, they were forced to defend themselves, ultimately sealing his fate," said Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi.
A search operation is ongoing for the remaining suspect.