Durban — One of the suspects linked to the April killings of two Crime Intelligence members was fatally shot by police during an intelligence‑led operation in KwaZulu‑Natal on 25 September 2026, while five other suspects were arrested across the province, police said.
Operation and locations
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a multidisciplinary operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday after a prosecutorial‑guided investigation into the ambush that killed Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo. The fatal shooting occurred at Emaplasini in Inanda.
Colonel Netshiunda said five suspects were arrested in separate areas of the province: Pinetown, Amanzimtoti, Mandeni and Newlands West. The sixth suspect, located in Inanda, refused to obey police instructions and exchanged fire with members for approximately three hours.
“One suspect who was wanted for the killing of two Crime Intelligence officers was shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at Emaplasini in Inanda, and five of his accomplices were arrested during an operation at various areas of KwaZulu‑Natal on Friday,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
Negotiations were reported to have been ongoing until the suspect released his girlfriend, who had been inside the house. Police said the suspect was eventually shot and fatally wounded during the operation. A Special Task Force officer sustained a gunshot wound to the hand but was treated and reported to be in good spirits.
Background to the investigation
The arrests and shooting relate to an ambush in Mount Edgecombe on 30 April 2026, when unknown assailants opened fire on an unmarked state vehicle carrying the two Crime Intelligence members. Captain Nel died at the scene, while Sergeant Khuzwayo succumbed to his injuries weeks later after a period in hospital.
The killings drew strong condemnation within the service. Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Puleng Dimpane described the attack as a direct assault on the authority of the state and on its crime‑fighting capability, and said SAPS would intensify efforts to protect its members.
What happens next
Colonel Netshiunda said the arrested suspects were being processed and were likely to appear in court on Monday, 28 September 2026. He did not provide names or further details about the suspects or the evidence linking them to the ambush.
- Operation type: intelligence‑led, multidisciplinary
- Fatality: one suspect shot and fatally wounded at Emaplasini, Inanda
- Arrests: five suspects in Pinetown, Amanzimtoti, Mandeni and Newlands West
- Injuries: one Special Task Force member shot in the hand and treated
- Court appearance: suspects likely to appear on 28 September 2026
Local impact and community concerns
The April ambush that claimed the lives of two Crime Intelligence officers shook policing circles in Durban and beyond, raising questions about targeted attacks on state security personnel and the risks faced by plain‑clothed or unmarked teams. The weekend operation will be closely watched by families of the deceased officers, Crime Intelligence colleagues and residents in affected communities.
Police have not released further operational detail, citing the sensitive nature of an ongoing, prosecutorial‑guided investigation. Community members concerned about safety or with information relevant to the case are encouraged to contact their local police station or Crime Intelligence tip‑lines, SAPS said.
Chronology
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 30 April 2026 | Ambush in Mount Edgecombe; Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo attacked in unmarked vehicle |
| 25 September 2026 | Intelligence‑led operation in KZN; one suspect fatally shot at Emaplasini, five arrested in Pinetown, Amanzimtoti, Mandeni and Newlands West |
| 28 September 2026 | Arrested suspects likely to appear in court (as indicated by SAPS) |
Further details about evidence, the identities of the arrested suspects and any charges will be released as the investigation proceeds and charges are finalised, police said.
The operation underlines the continuing priority SAPS places on investigating lethal attacks on its members while balancing the need to preserve the integrity of a prosecutorial‑guided inquiry. Local residents and stakeholders will be awaiting the court process for clarity and accountability.
— KwaZulu‑Natal correspondent
