Suspected Hitman Linked to 10 Murders Killed by KZN Police in Pinetown
- A suspected hitman allegedly linked to ten murders was fatally shot by KwaZulu-Natal police in Pinetown
- The suspect was allegedly on the brink of a contract killing against Umdoni officials in KZN
- Social media reactions revealed public support and criticism of the KZN SAPS's approach to tackling crime
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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
KWAZULU-NATAL, DURBAN - A suspected hitman wanted in connection with more than 10 murders on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast was shot dead during a police operation in Pinetown early on Wednesday morning, 1 April 2026.
Planned contract killing targeting officials
According to eNCA journalist, Dasen Thathiah, police reported that the 41-year-old man was located at a hideout after being tracked by officers, who had acted on intelligence linking him to planned criminal activity. Authorities indicated that the suspect was allegedly hours away from carrying out a contract killing targeting officials from Umdoni Local Municipality.
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The suspect allegedly opened fire when officers approached, resulting in a shootout in which he was fatally wounded. Police confirmed that no officers were injured during the operation and that several firearms were recovered at the scene. Investigations into the suspect's alleged involvement in multiple murders are ongoing.
Source: Getty Images
South Africans weigh in
Social media users shared their opinions regarding the shootout.
@Ralph0logy said:
"It's like KZN SAPS aren't trained to arrest or bring in criminals when they are faced with such gunfire. Tactical training of bringing in suspects alive, no matter what the circumstances."
@elonjohnson1639 said:
"KZN police are rightly taking the fight to criminals, no retreat. Newsroom Africa is invited to be part of the operations if they feel the police don't know their work."
@BhekuyiseM31516 said:
"KZN SAPS is dealing with the criminals decisively. It was a good choice to extend General Mkhwanazi's contract for stability. It is no longer business as usual for the criminals in KZN."
@UyezaMkhwazi said:
"How we wish Gauteng, Free State, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Province SAPS were as competent as those that are directly led by General Mkhwanazi. We salute you and your team."
@BCPS19 said:
"Wanted for ten murders. Hours from carrying out another. Found. The joint operation that located his hideout this morning prevented an imminent hit on Umdoni municipal officials. The shootout ended one threat. The network that commissioned him across ten KZN South Coast murders remains an open question."
@green_mokoto said:
"Former Police Commissioner General Cele is the one who instructed the police to defend themselves; he told them to use their guns, and now the police officers are empowered, thanks to him."
Family of inmate killed in hostage drama yet to identify body
In a related article, Briefly News also reported that the family of an inmate killed in a hostage drama at the Ntuzuma Police Station has yet to identify his body.
The inmate was shot and killed on Monday, 16 March 2026, after a hostage situation unfolded in the cells of the police station.
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Source: Briefly News
