- The Target: The suspects had been on the run for over a year. They were highly wanted for the 2025 murder of Police Constable Mvelo Gcabashe in Maphebbeni, Inanda. During that original 2025 attack, the suspects shot the officer in the head and stole his service pistol
- The Confrontation: A massive joint intelligence operation intercepted the suspects while they were travelling in a Hyundai vehicle along the M25 highway. When cornered, the men resisted arrest and opened fire on law enforcement.
- The Outcome: Police returned fire, triggering a shootout that lasted for a few minutes across a 200-metre stretch of road. The suspects’ vehicle subsequently overturned, and all three occupants were declared dead at the scene. Police recovered two firearms from the wreckage
Units Involved in the Operation
The takedown was a coordinated effort by multiple specialized units and private partners
- Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) Provincial Tracing Team
- SAPS Pietermaritzburg K9 Unit
- SAPS Provincial Tactical Response Team (TRT)
- Durban Metro Police Special Operations Directorate
- Integrated private security partners
This operation forms part of an aggressive, ongoing crackdown by KwaZulu-Natal police against violent criminals and cop killers in the province.
