A police sergeant is among three suspected armed robbers who were killed in a shootout with police in two separate shooting incidents in Ntuzuma in KZN on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda says at least six suspects, some dressed in police uniform and others wearing police regalia, reportedly stormed into a store in Richmond where the shop owner and staff were held at gunpoint.
He says an undisclosed amount of money was stolen before the suspects fled the scene in two vehicles.
Colonel Netshiunda says a chase and shoot-out ensued where two suspects were killed.
He says one victim was in possession of a police firearm and bullet proof vest as well as a police vehicle belonging to an officer who had just reported off duty.
Police received more intel of another police officer who was hiding inside a shack, he was shot dead when he fired shots towards police.
A manhunt is still underway for three suspects.
The house which the suspects were found in belongs to a known cash in transit robbery suspect who is out on bail.
Investigations are also underway to establish if the police officer was involved in other robberies.
The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has reiterated that police fight crime from within and that police officers who involve themselves in criminal activities will be met with the harsh wrath of the law.
