DURBAN — Three suspected kidnappers were shot dead during a fierce gun battle with law enforcement in Mariannhill, Westville, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The suspects were intercepted by officers acting on intelligence regarding their whereabouts. The deceased were wanted in connection with an ongoing kidnapping and fraud case originally reported in Greenwood Park.

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed that the encounter escalated rapidly after officers spotted the suspects’ vehicle.

“Police spotted the suspects driving along Milky Way Road and attempted to stop their vehicle. The suspects defied the police’s instruction and sped off. Police gave chase, and during the operation, a shootout ensued,” Netshiunda said.

The high-speed pursuit ended abruptly when the suspects’ vehicle veered out of control and crashed into a tree.

“Three suspects were shot and fatally wounded during the shootout, and no police officer was injured,” Netshiunda stated, adding that the suspects were found in possession of two firearms and several rounds of ammunition.

Crime scene experts and provincial detectives remained at the Milky Way Road scene long into the morning to gather evidence. Police have confirmed that investigations into the incident are continuing to determine if the suspects were linked to other syndicates in the greater Durban area.