Three Wanted Suspects Killed in Intense Police Shootout in Phelandaba, Manguzi: Lost SAPS Firearm Recovered Sparks Probe into Negligence

Residents in the quiet rural area of Phelandaba, Manguzi, in northern KwaZulu-Natal were left shaken after a dramatic shootout between police and six alleged suspects unfolded last night. Three of the men were fatally wounded, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby health facility. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers police face in tackling violent crime, as well as the deep-rooted issues plaguing the province’s communities.

This confrontation comes amid a string of similar high-stakes encounters in KZN, where law enforcement has ramped up efforts to dismantle networks linked to murders, taxi violence, and organised crime. With the recovered firearm tying back to a long-lost police weapon, questions now swirl over how it ended up in criminal hands again. As investigations kick off, locals hope for answers that could bring lasting peace to an area tired of bloodshed. Here’s a closer look at what happened, the suspects’ backgrounds, and why this matters for safety in South Africa.

The Shootout: A Tip-Off Leads to Deadly Exchange

Police acted on intelligence that pinpointed the wanted men at a spot in Phelandaba, arriving just after dark on Saturday, 30 November 2025. When officers approached, the suspects opened fire, forcing the team to respond in self-defence and protect nearby residents. “Police received intelligence that the wanted suspects were at Phelandaba and when police approached them, the suspects fired shots at police officers. To protect themselves and other innocent residents, police returned fire and a shootout ensued. During the shootout, two suspects were shot and fatally wounded at the scene. Four suspects were taken to a nearby health facility, where one suspect was declared dead on arrival,” said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.

The clash was quick but intense, with bullets flying in a residential zone where families live close by. No officers or civilians were hurt, but the event left the community on edge, with some describing the noise as terrifying. This kind of operation is becoming more common in KZN, where tip-offs from locals help police track down dangerous fugitives hiding in rural spots.

Suspects’ Links to Multiple Murders

The men were no small-time crooks – they were sought for three murders in the area back in 2023, plus another killing at Ingwavuma two weeks ago in October 2025. These crimes point to a pattern of violence that has plagued northern KZN, often tied to disputes over resources or territory. Police believe the group was part of a larger network fuelling instability, with links to taxi rivalries that have claimed hundreds of lives in the province over the years.

KZN has seen a spike in such incidents, with over 1,200 murders reported in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Areas like Manguzi and Ingwavuma are hot spots for cross-border crime, including smuggling and feuds that spill into deadly attacks. The suspects’ deaths might bring some relief to families of victims, but it also raises questions about how such groups operate freely for so long.

The Mystery of the Recovered Firearm

Adding a twist to the story, officers found two guns on the suspects – one a standard firearm, the other a police-issued pistol lost way back in April 2009 at Newlands East in Durban. It was recovered at Nhlanhleni police station in 2010, but somehow ended up with criminals again. “Police records further indicate that the same firearm was recovered at Nhlanhleni police station in 2010 and investigations are underway to establish how the firearm ended up in the hands of criminals again. Those who will be found to be responsible for negligence or any act of criminality will face the full might of the law,” Netshiunda said.

This find points to possible inside jobs or sloppy handling in police storerooms, a problem that has dogged SAPS for years. Lost weapons often fuel crime waves, with thousands reported missing nationwide. In KZN alone, over 500 police guns have vanished in the past decade, many turning up in gang hands. Probes into this could uncover corruption or poor tracking, leading to charges for those at fault.

Police Efforts in KZN: A Broader Crackdown on Violence

This shootout is part of SAPS’s push to root out violent offenders in KZN, where taxi wars and gang fights have made it one of SA’s deadliest provinces. Just last month, similar ops in Umlazi and Inanda took down suspects linked to multiple killings, with police recovering weapons and vehicles. In Msinga, three more died in a gun battle, showing the risks officers face daily.

The province’s commissioner has ramped up intelligence-led raids, often based on community tips. These efforts have cut some crime rates, but murders stay high at over 60 a day nationwide, with KZN contributing a big share. The minister revealed 668 killings on the Cape Flats from January to March 2025 alone, averaging seven a day – a stark reminder of violence’s grip.

Netshiunda praised the team’s bravery, noting how returning fire saved lives. But critics call for more focus on prevention, like community policing and youth programmes to stop kids joining gangs.

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