Developing story: a manhunt is under way and police have not released all details. This article will be updated.
A police colonel who commanded the Greytown station in KwaZulu-Natal was shot dead on Thursday afternoon while pursuing suspects who had fled a business robbery, according to KwaZulu-Natal police.
What police say happened
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers responded to a business robbery in progress in Greytown. A shop owner was shot and wounded, and employees were assaulted.
At least 10 suspects fled in a Toyota Quantum. The station commander and her officers, working with private security, pursued them, and a shootout followed on the R33. Netshiunda said the suspects shot the station commander, who was declared dead at the scene.
- A sergeant was shot in the arm and taken to hospital.
- Two suspects were fatally wounded.
- A third suspect was wounded, arrested and taken to hospital under police guard.
- Police recovered three firearms: two rifles and a handgun.
- Other suspects fled into the mountains.
The arrested suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The police response
KwaZulu-Natal acting police commissioner Major-General Phumelele Makoba offered condolences to the officer's family. He said attacks on police officers are attacks on the state, that the suspects "will know no peace" and that police would hunt them day and night. He said: "We shall find the suspects, dead or alive." Police say they are using all available resources to trace the suspects.
What we do not yet know
- The name of the officer. Police have not released it in the information available so far.
- The identities of the suspects and how many remain at large.
- The condition of the wounded shop owner and sergeant.
- Whether a reward has been offered. None had been announced in the information available.
Anyone with information can contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop.
