Two Crime Intelligence Officers Ambushed In Durban Shooting

Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – A recently-promoted police captain from the Crime Intelligence unit was killed and his partner, a sergeant from the same unit, was left critically wounded after an apparent targeted ambush on Flanders Drive in the Mount Edgecombe area.

According to witness accounts, a white Isuzu bakkie chased the officers’ Toyota Hilux for approximately one to two kilometres along Flanders Drive while shots were fired at the police vehicle. Several gunmen were reportedly seated at the back of the Isuzu bakkie during the pursuit.

When the Toyota Hilux came to a stop, some of the attackers allegedly exited their vehicle and fired directly into the windscreen of the police bakkie. Employees at nearby businesses who witnessed the incident reported that the attackers removed a large bag from the back of the Hilux before fleeing the scene.

The Isuzu bakkie used in the attack was later found dumped and set alight in KwaMashu.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has described the incident as an attack on the authority of the State. National police spokespersons confirmed that maximum resources, including specialised units, have been deployed to track down and apprehend those responsible for the killing. A massive manhunt is underway.

The identities of the officers have not been officially released by SAPS at this stage. The sergeant remains in a critical condition in hospital.

This brazen attack on members of the Crime Intelligence division has heightened concerns about targeted violence against law enforcement officers in the province. Investigations are continuing.