Suspect kills himself, 2 arrested after shoot-out with cops

Durban - Two murder suspects were arrested while a third fatally shot himself after a shoot-out with police in northern KwaZulu-Natal, police said on Sunday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Jay Naicker said police received a tip-off on Saturday evening that three men wanted for murder, attempted murder and assault were in the Mondlo area southwest of Vryheid.

“A joint operation by the Vryheid Cluster Task Team, Crime Intelligence Unit and Mondlo Police Station members was conducted. The suspicious looking motor vehicle with three occupants was spotted at Mkhumbane area in Mondlo,” said Naicker.

The car was stopped and searched and two of the men were arrested, but a third man fled on foot.

During the subsequent chase a police officer was wounded, as was a bystander.

The 22-year-old was later found wounded in a toilet.

The man was rushed to hospital, but died from his wound, which police believe was self-inflicted. An unlicensed weapon was found in his possession.

The other two men are expected to appear in the Nquthu Magistrate’s court on charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Naicker said the weapons that were recovered would be sent for ballistic testing to see if they were used in committing any other crimes.