South Africa police station commander killed in Greytown shootout

A South African police station commander was shot and killed and another officer was injured during a shootout with suspects in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, on Thursday afternoon, police said.

The Lieutenant Colonel, together with her members, responded to a business robbery in progress in which a shop owner was shot and injured and employees were assaulted. At least ten suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Quantum, and police, working with private security, gave chase and caught up with them on the R33 Road towards Msinga. A shootout ensued, and the Station Commander was declared dead at the scene. A Sergeant was shot in the arm and rushed to hospital.

Two suspects were shot and fatally wounded, and one injured suspect was arrested and taken to hospital under police guard. Three firearms — two rifles and a handgun — were found in the suspects' possession. Other suspects evaded arrest and fled into the mountain.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal Major General Phumelele Makoba said police "will know no sleep" until those responsible are brought to book, adding: "An attack to police officers is an attack to the State."