KZN Police Arrest Suspect After Phoenix Shootout Linked to December Murder
- A suspect was arrested in Phoenix, KZN, after he allegedly fired at police during a vehicle pursuit
- Authorities said that the incident is linked to a firearm from a fatal December 2025 shooting in Inanda
- KZN police said that a gas gun was also recovered from the vehicle
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Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Twitter
PHOENIX, KWAZULU-NATAL - KwaZulu-Natal police arrested a suspect in Phoenix, Durban, after he allegedly fired at officers during a vehicle pursuit. The firearm found in the suspect’s possession was reportedly linked to a man who had been killed in Inanda in December 2025.
Suspicious vehicle with five occupants
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, 7 January 2026, when officers noticed a suspicious vehicle with five occupants. Police pursued the vehicle, during which one person fled, and the remaining four were intercepted. Authorities said that the suspect opened fire on officers before being apprehended. A gas gun was also recovered from the vehicle.
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No injuries were reported, and the suspects are expected to appear in court soon. A stationary security vehicle was reportedly struck during the confrontation, and the area was cordoned off for an extended period while police conducted their investigation.
Family claims police misconduct
The Phoenix shootout occurred a day after another confrontation in Margate, Uvongo, in which the owner of Gasela Protection Services, 35-year-old Mlondi Zithumane Gasela, and his 49-year-old bodyguard, Mlungisi Gambushe, were killed during a police operation targeting unlicensed firearms.
Authorities indicated that officers approached a residence in the early hours of Monday morning, 6 January 2026, and announced their presence before entering. The two men allegedly fired at the officers, who returned fire. Police recovered two AK-47 assault rifles and three pistols. No officers were injured.
The Gasela family has reportedly challenged the official account, claiming police misconduct. Investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are ongoing.
Source: Twitter
South Africans weigh in
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the incident.
Joe Muller said:
"Tomorrow he will be walking the streets again."
Khanyi Ndlovu said:
"Phoenix for you. A small time version of the Cape Flats."
Philani Ngcobo said:
"KZN is not a safe place anymore, bullets are flying left and right."
Tebogo Kgatla said:
"We don't have a crime called homicide in South Africa."
Sandile Dladla said"
"Not all women and men in blue are corrupt and lazy. Some are giving their all to deal with crime."
4 More similar KZN stories
- Briefly News also reported that police in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have shot dead three suspects in two separate shootings on 16 December 2025.
- Two separate shootouts occurred in KwaZulu-Natal on 19 November, and both had fatalities as police officers engaged suspects.
- Two separate shootouts occurred in KwaZulu-Natal on 19 November, and both had fatalities as police officers engaged suspects.
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Source: Briefly News
