Three suspects were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at the Lungelani Informal Settlement in La Mercy in the early hours of this morning.

KwaZulu-Natal police said in a statement that police received intelligence that a group involved in serious crimes, including murders committed in the Inanda area, were hiding at the informal settlement.

‘A team comprising various police disciplines, including members of the Hawks, descended on the location. Realising that they were surrounded, the suspects opened fire at the police and a shootout ensued,’ said police.

Three suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout and two pistols were allegedly found in the possession of the suspects.

It is believed that other members of the group managed to escape during the shooting.

‘The operation continues in search of other suspects who have been terrorising the residents of KwaZulu-Natal,” the statement reads.

Source: South African Government News Agency