Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – An armed robbery suspect was killed in a shootout with police in the Clare Estate area on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Members of the Sydenham SAPS Trio Task Team were conducting a search for the suspect in the Palmiet Road informal settlement when they came under fire. The confrontation resulted in the suspect being fatally wounded.
The deceased, known only as “Mkhwanazi”, was wanted in connection with various armed robberies in the broader area and is believed to have been a local gang leader. One firearm was recovered at the scene.
Reports indicate that Mkhwanazi allegedly opened fire on the police team first, after which officers returned fire, leading to his death at the scene. No injuries to police officers were reported.
The Sydenham SAPS Trio Task Team specialises in tackling trio crimes, including house robberies, business robberies, and vehicle hijackings. This operation aligns with ongoing efforts to address violent crime in the Clare Estate and surrounding Durban communities, particularly in informal settlements where armed criminal activity has been prevalent.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, and authorities are expected to release further details, including confirmation of the suspect’s full identity and any additional links to other cases.
Source: Dasen Thathiah
OTHER NEWS
Two SAPS Tactical Response Team Sergeants Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash
Two sergeants from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team (TRT) died in a single-vehicle accident on the N4 highway near eMalahleni (Witbank), Mpumalanga, on Tuesday evening, 5 May 2026.
The officers were travelling in a state vehicle, reported as a BMW, en route to Pretoria to testify in court cases. The accident occurred just after 22:00. The vehicle overturned, crashed through barriers, hit a tree, and rolled towards the Olifants River, becoming wedged between bushes. One sergeant was ejected, while the other was trapped inside.
Both members were deployed to KwaZulu-Natal as part of the eManguzi Task Team, assisting operations against cross-border crimes in the Manguzi area near the Mozambique border. They were attached to units including Thembisa TRT and Pretoria Central TRT.
The SAPS has not yet released the names of the deceased, pending notification of their families.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues. “The loss of these dedicated officers is a devastating blow to the organisation. They served the country with commitment and courage,” she said.
The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit has been deployed to support the affected families and colleagues in the eManguzi Task Team.
Recovery operations at the scene lasted approximately eight hours due to the vehicle’s position and ongoing rain, with assistance from Van Wettens Recovery.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer David Ratau confirmed that investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. No further details regarding passengers, mechanical issues, or other factors have been released.
