Inanda West Gang member wanted for murder and kidnapping killed in police shootout

A member of Inanda’s West Gang who was wanted for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and house robberies was killed in a shootout with police on Wednesday night, police said.

Police operation in Newtown C ends in fatal exchange of gunfire

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers received information that the man they were seeking was at a house in Newtown C in Inanda. When police arrived they found five men at the property and identified themselves. According to Netshiunda, “Police operationalised the information, and when they arrived at the house, they found five men. Police introduced themselves and upon requesting to search the five men, one of them ran inside a house and shots were fired.”

During the exchange of gunfire the suspect was shot and fatally wounded, Netshiunda said. His identity has not yet been released by police.

Charges and preliminary findings

Netshiunda said the man was wanted for murder, attempted murder, kidnapping and house robberies. He added that the incident has been opened as a case of attempted murder of police officers and that no police officer was injured during the shootout.

Police said their preliminary investigation suggests the man was a feared member of the notorious West Gang and that he was among the young men seen firing guns into the air in a recent viral video thought to have been recorded in KwaMashu.

Recent violence involving alleged West Gang members

The report notes other recent killings linked to alleged West Gang members. Two months ago an alleged member known as “Putin,” real name Snakhokonke Cele, was killed after community members confronted him; police said Ntuzuma police have opened a murder case in connection with that incident. The report also mentions the killing of another alleged gang member, Mnqobi “Number 5” Mhlongo.

Political response and calls for action

Last week, ANC KwaZulu-Natal task team co-ordinator James Nxumalo urged stronger action against political violence and criminal gangs in the province, linking the resurgence of political intolerance and targeted killings to threats against the democratic process ahead of the November 4 local government elections.

The ANC singled out Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu and said the grip of violent crime in those areas was causing serious harm to communities. In a statement the party said:

“Equally alarming is the unrelenting grip of violent crime and lawlessness tormenting our people, particularly in the eThekwini region in areas such as Inanda, Ntuzuma, and KwaMashu, where a ruthless syndicate of thugs calling themselves the ‘West Gang’ continues to hold law‑abiding citizens hostage,”

and added:

“Crime is an enemy of economic progress and social stability, and the ANC remains firm in its commitment to building safer, gang‑free townships where our people can live in freedom, safety, and dignity.”

Police investigations into the shootout and related cases are ongoing.