A police operation to apprehend suspects linked to multiple murders ended in a deadly shootout in the Phelandaba area on Sunday, 30 November 2025, leaving three suspects dead and three others injured.
According to police reports, the operation was launched to trace individuals wanted in connection with three murders committed in Emanguzi in 2023 and an additional murder in Ingwavuma in October 2025. Acting on intelligence that placed the wanted suspects at a location in Phelandaba, police officers moved to confront them.
Upon the police’s approach, the suspects allegedly opened fire. “To protect themselves and other innocent residents, police returned fire and a shootout ensued,” a statement read.
During the exchange of gunfire, two suspects were fatally wounded at the scene. Four others were transported to a nearby health facility, where one was declared dead on arrival, bringing the total fatalities to three. The remaining three suspects are receiving treatment for their injuries.
Police recovered two firearms from the suspects. An initial examination revealed that one weapon had its serial number partially filed off. Shockingly, preliminary investigations identified the second firearm as a police-issue weapon reported lost from Newlands East in April 2009.
Police records indicate this same firearm was subsequently recovered at the Nhlanhleni police station in 2010. Authorities have now launched an internal investigation to determine how the weapon re-entered criminal possession.