Two suspected armed robbers were fatally shot and a third suspect was injured following a shootout with police in KwaMsane just after midnight on Tuesday, 02 June 2026. No police officers were injured in the incident.
The incident began when police in Hluhluwe received a report from a man who had been robbed by armed suspects within the Hluhluwe policing area. Officers responded immediately and located a vehicle matching the victim’s description travelling southbound on the N2 highway. A pursuit ensued, with backup provided by officers from the uMkhanyakude District Task Team.
The chase extended from the Hluhluwe policing area to KwaMsane, where suspects engaged police in a gunfire exchange. During the confrontation, three suspects were initially believed to have been fatally wounded. However, one suspect regained consciousness while forensic experts were documenting the scene and was subsequently rushed to a nearby hospital under police guard. The other two suspects were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Three firearms were recovered from the suspects at the scene. Police confirmed that at least three additional suspects involved in the incident evaded capture and remain at large. Authorities continue search operations for these individuals.
The injured suspect remains under police guard at the hospital. The two deceased suspects will undergo post-mortem examination in due course.
Police have commended the swift response of officers and reiterated their commitment to combating armed crime in the region. The investigation into the robbery and subsequent shootout remains ongoing.