Three suspects were killed in a shootout with police in Bhambayi, Inanda, on Saturday afternoon, as Premier Thami Ntuli vowed that there was going to be an end to crime in Inanda.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda: “Five suspects were cornered inside a house, and upon realising the presence of the police, they opened fire. Police returned fire, leading to a shootout in which three suspects were fatally wounded.”
Two suspects escaped.
“These suspects are also believed to be responsible for the recent murders of four people, including two off-duty police officers, as well as the attempted murder of four others at a tavern in Sundumbili on January 4,” Netshiunda added.
Ntuli reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fighting crime through the newly established Provincial Council Against Crime (CAC).
Speaking at the two-day strategic planning session of the CAC, Ntuli stressed that crime in KZN is not just a policing issue but a societal crisis requiring collective action.
“We must strengthen community involvement in crime-fighting efforts. Our community safety campaign will focus on moral regeneration, heightened education, and the revitalisation of ubuntu, because safety starts with each of us,” Ntuli said.
He said government structures must work closely with law enforcement to ensure tangible changes.
“We will engage the national government to devolve some procurement powers to the province so we can expedite the repairs and maintenance of police vehicles,” he added.
Ntuli announced that a crime fighting Imbizo would be held in Inanda.
“We are going to end crime in Inanda. All crime formations that have been established will be dismantled,” he declared, referring to a notorious gang that had been terrorising the community.
The alleged leader of the West gang was killed in a shootout with police last week.
As part of the broader crime-fighting strategy, the premier also outlined plans to empower community safety structures through training and enhanced coordination.
Additionally, the province will prioritise rural safety initiatives, particularly in combating stock theft, and intensify efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) with new digital reporting tools.
Ntuli called on all stakeholders, including business and civil society, to play an active role in the fight against crime.
"KwaZulu-Natal will not be a haven for criminals. We will reclaim our streets, protect our people, and ensure that our province remains a place of peace, opportunity, and prosperity," he concluded.