Five suspects believed to be behind a string of violent crimes in KwaZulu-Natal were shot and killed during a shootout with police in the early hours of Thursday morning in Inanda, north of Durban.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in KwaZulu-Natal, the suspects were fatally wounded during an intelligence-led operation at Bester Area 10. The men were wanted in connection with several serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, attempted murder of police officers, and house robberies.
Police said the suspects had been terrorising communities in Inanda and surrounding areas for months. In late November 2025, the same group allegedly opened fire on police officers during an earlier encounter and had since evaded arrest.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers acted on information received about the suspects’ whereabouts and moved in during the early hours of Thursday morning.
“When police arrived at the house, the suspects immediately fired shots at officers through the door. Police returned fire to protect themselves and members of the public,” Netshiunda said.
Five suspects were shot and declared dead at the scene. Four firearms were recovered, and police said a thorough search of the premises was still underway. No police officers were injured during the operation.
The incident comes amid ongoing concerns about violent crime in KwaZulu-Natal, which remains one of the provinces most affected by serious offences. According to the latest SAPS crime statistics, the province consistently records high levels of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery, particularly in hotspot areas such as Inanda, Umlazi and parts of the Durban metro.
In response, SAPS has intensified intelligence-driven operations, high-density patrols and targeted raids on known criminal networks. Police say specialised units and crime intelligence continue to play a key role in tracking wanted suspects and dismantling armed gangs.
SAPS has reiterated its commitment to restoring safety in affected communities and urged residents to continue working with police by reporting criminal activity.
Investigations into the deceased suspects and their alleged crimes are ongoing.
