One person has died after disarming a Durban police officer and opening fire at the Ntuzuma police station (pictured).
- A 22-year-old attempted murder suspect disarmed Durban police officers at Ntuzuma Police Station, assaulted them, seized a firearm, and opened fire, leading to a hostage situation.
- Tactical police teams neutralised the suspect after several minutes, fatally wounding him, while two officers sustained minor injuries during the scuffle.
- Paramedics assessed six individuals for injuries, transported one to the hospital, and police have cordoned off the area for further investigation.
One person had died after disarming Durban police officers and opening fire on them at the Ntuzuma police station.
The man, an attempted murder suspect, was arrested on Saturday before his attempt to escape on Monday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said two police officers were “charging the suspect at the cells” when he “overpowered them and started assaulting them”, and managed to get hold of their keys.
“[They] managed to call for backup and when uniformed police officers came to their rescue, the suspect grabbed [a] firearm from one of them and started shooting as he locked them inside the cells. Police tactically took cover as the suspect continued firing shots.”
The hostage situation continued for several minutes before tactical police teams managed to penetrate the cells. During the operation, the 22-year-old suspect was shot and fatally wounded, Netshiunda said.
Two police officers, a male and female, sustained minor injuries during the scuffle.
“Police officers who were held hostage will be temporarily withdrawn from active operations for them to undergo psychological debriefing sessions,” he added.
ALS paramedic services spokesperson Garrith Jamieson on Monday morning said his team responded to calls for medical assistance just after 08:30 at the Ntuzuma Police Station.
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“Initial reports were that an alleged suspect had somehow disarmed a police official and opened fire on all in the building. Paramedics from multiple ambulance services proceeded to the scene. After it was neutralised by police, paramedics were allowed to enter.”
He said paramedics found the suspect had sustained fatal injuries as a result of a shootout with the police.
Six others were assessed for injuries, including police officials, but just one person was transported to hospital for minor injuries.
The area has since been cordoned off while police investigate, he added.
