Police search and rescue teams have recovered the body of a suspect who fell to his death while attempting to flee following a shootout at a petrol station in Westville, west of Durban.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning along Harry Gwala Road, near the M19 highway. Authorities said the suspect was one of three men travelling in a white BMW involved in a gun battle with security officers.
According to South African Police Service spokesperson Robert Netshiunda, the suspects had earlier driven past private security guards patrolling the M19.
“The security guards reportedly followed the vehicle, and the occupants of the BMW opened fire towards them,” Netshiunda said. “A high-speed chase and shootout then ensued, ending at the fuel station.”
During the exchange of gunfire, one suspect was shot and killed inside the vehicle. The driver later surrendered to police and was arrested.
Another suspect attempted to flee the scene but fell down a steep cliff near the petrol station.
A specialised rescue team was deployed to retrieve the body from the approximately 15-metre drop. Ropes were anchored to vehicles at the top of the cliff while a rescuer was lowered down to secure the body in a rescue basket.
Once placed in a body bag, the team carefully pulled the basket to the surface using coordinated rope commands. After several minutes, the body was successfully recovered and handed over to KwaZulu-Natal Forensic Pathology Services for transport.
Police confirmed that the BMW used by the suspects was fitted with cloned number plates. Two firearms were also recovered from the vehicle.
The crime scene was cleared later in the afternoon, while police continue investigating cases of murder and attempted murder linked to the incident.