Man allegedly shot dead by police in Claremont

Durban - KZN Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC Willies Mchunu has called for a full-scale probe into the the alleged murder of a 23-year-old by police.

Mchunu said he regretted the incident that is said to have occurred in Claremont, west of Durban, on Sunday.

In a statement, Mchunu said reports suggested that Lindokuhle Mtolo was walking to a shop on Sunday night with friends when they spotted a police van that was patrolling the area.

It is alleged that Mtolo pointed a firearm at the police and according to the South African Police Service, an officer, acting in self-defence, shot Mtolo in the chest.

The officers rushed Mtolo to hospital, but he died on the way.

Mchunu said the incident called for a full-scale probe.

"We are very disturbed at this unfortunate development where a young man has lost his life. We wish to urge members of the community to be calm and observe restraint while investigations ... are under way."