DURBAN: A joint operation which comprised of Hawks, Crime Intelligence, Umgungundlovu Trio Task Team, National Stabilisation Team, Flying Squad and Magma Security was held in Pietermaritzburg yesterday afternoon until late.

The team proceeded to Stallion Road at Cinderella Park in Mountain Rise after they received information regarding a group of suspects who were wanted for murders that were committed in the Plessislaer. Upon arrival at the identified premises, police surrounded the house and identified themselves. Three suspects attempted to flee the scene and two of them pointed firearms at the police officers.

Two suspects sustained injuries on the hip. Three suspects were successfully arrested and were found in possession of three firearms. The team entered the house and found four men inside who were in possession of two pistols, jamming device and 14 rounds of ammunition. During the arrest, two suspects were found wearing shoes that were robbed from victims that were killed in KwaPata. The recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing.

It is alleged that yesterday at 14:30, two men aged 18 and 26 were shot and killed at KwaPata. The victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were declared dead at the scene. The suspects also robbed the victims of their shoes. The suspects will also be profiled to check if they are linked to serious and violent cases reported in Umgungundlovu and surrounding areas. The suspects aged between 18 and 29 are expected to appear before the Pietermaritzburg Magistrates Court tomorrow on charges of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition as well as the double murder.

Source: South African Police Service