Two wanted murder suspects killed in KZN police shootout

Two suspects wanted in connection with murder and attempted murder cases have been shot dead during a confrontation with police in KwaZulu-Natal.

The shootout took place at Tafelkop, in the KwaNdengezi policing precinct, on Thursday afternoon, 8 October 2026.

Police had initially travelled to a property along Intake Road after receiving intelligence about suspected stolen livestock. Officers recovered 30 goats at the residence before receiving information that the wanted suspects were also at the premises.

According to police, a subsequent operation to locate the men ended in a shootout that left two suspects fatally wounded.

Police recover 30 goats during operation

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers from Mariannhill acted on information about goats believed to have been stolen and kept at a residence in Tafelkop.

“Police operationalised the intelligence, and when they arrived at the address, thirty goats were recovered,” Netshiunda said.

Officers later received a tip-off that the suspects were at the same property and returned to carry out an operation.

Netshiunda said a shootout broke out as police approached the men, resulting in both suspects being fatally wounded.

The suspects were wanted in connection with murder and attempted murder cases allegedly committed in Mariannhill and KwaNdengezi.

Police have not released their identities in the information provided.

Manhunt launched for third suspect

A third suspect escaped from the scene during the shooting, prompting police to launch a manhunt.

Netshiunda said the fleeing suspect allegedly fired at police officers as he made his escape.

Authorities have not provided further details about the outstanding suspect or the cases in which the men were wanted.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Separate manhunt after baby found buried in Gauteng

In an unrelated case, police are searching for a pastor following the discovery of a four-month-old baby’s body in a shallow grave near the Hennops River in Atteridgeville, Gauteng.

According to police, a woman had travelled to the river with the pastor and his wife for a ritual on 7 October.

The woman allegedly went towards the river with the pastor while his wife remained behind with the baby. The woman later alleged that the pastor raped her and tied her up before she managed to escape and alert authorities.

A multidisciplinary police team launched an investigation, and the pastor’s 24-year-old wife was located and questioned.

Police said she allegedly led investigators to the shallow grave where the baby’s body was found.

Cases of kidnapping, rape and murder have been opened, while the search for the pastor continues.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi condemned the incident, describing it as a “savage act of barbarism” and vowing that those responsible would face the full force of the law.

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Source: The Citizen