Suspected bank robber shot dead by police inside KZN bank

Durban – A suspected bank robber died after he was shot by police while inside a bank in Tongaat, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.

The 26-year-old man had tried to stab the policeman who ended up shooting him on Thursday morning, spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said.

The suspect had hidden behind a table inside the bank when the police arrived on the scene.

"A verbal warning was issued, but the suspect ignored police. He then produced a knife and lunged at the policeman. The member produced his side firearm and shot the suspect in the upper chest," she said.

He was then taken to a hospital where he died.

"No injuries were sustained by any policemen. A knife was recovered from the crime scene and handed to Tongaat police," Gwala said.

Prem Balram, spokesperson for private security company Reaction Unit SA, said it had been established that six suspects had attempted to rob an ATM outside the bank.

"After failing to do so, the suspects broke into the bank. Five of the suspects fled prior to the arrival of police, however, one suspect was trapped inside," he said.

Gwala said charges of business robbery, attempted murder and an inquest docket were opened for investigation.