Inanda Shootout Leaves Two Wanted Men Dead, Police Launch Manhunt for Remaining Suspects
- Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Inanda Task Team traced wanted suspects to a home in Inanda
- One of the suspects has been on the run for two years and was wanted for a string of violent crimes in the area
- Two of the suspects survived the shootout and escaped the scene, prompting police to launch a manhunt for them
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
KWAZULU-NATAL – Two wanted suspects have been fatally wounded in a shootout with police in Inanda, northwest of Durban.
The suspects, who were wanted for murders and robberies, were killed in the shootout on 24 January 2026. They were traced to the area by the South African Police Service Inanda Task Team. Two other suspects, who were part of the group, fled the scene.
Suspect on the run for two years
According to eNCA’s Dasen Thathiah, one of the suspects has been wanted for two years and was traced by task team members to a house in the uMzinyathi area in Inanda.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
When officers arrived on scene, two armed men opened fire on them, supported by the other two suspects inside the house. The two inside, which included the suspect who has been on the run for two years, were shot dead. The other two men managed to flee the scene, and a manhunt has been launched for them.
Five suspects killed in a previous shootout
The latest shootout comes two weeks after five suspected criminals were killed in another shootout in the area. The shooting took place in the notorious Bester area in the early hours of Thursday, 8 January 2026.
Police said that the suspects were wanted for attempted murder, murder and robbery. Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said that when police arrived, the suspects shot at them.
“Police were left with no choice but to shoot back, and during that shootout, five suspects were shot and fatally wounded,” he said.
South Africans praise the police
Social media users weighed in on the shootout, praising KZN police for continuing to keep the province safe.
Xolani Qashani said:
“KZN SAPS deserve a bonus twice a year, and an extra raise for cleaning the country.”
Lucky Njoms stated:
“KZN Police are using their guns appropriately.”
Sthabile Khathi added:
“Well done to the men in blue.”
Xolani Magalela said:
“The men in blue are working hard. There’s no place to hide in KZN.”
Tshoanelo Motloung added:
“I’m thinking of relocating to KZN for safety and for protein every weekend.”
Other shootouts in KZN involving the police
Briefly News reported that there have been a few shootouts in KZN in recent months.
- A suspect believed to be a cop killer was shot dead on the morning of 10 September 2025 after a shootout with police.
- The South African Police Service fatally wounded a paroled murderer on 15 September 2025.
- On 14 October 2025, two suspected armed robbers were shot and killed by police in Waterfall, Durban.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
