A KwaZulu-Natal police station commander has been shot and killed during a violent shootout with suspected robbers near Greytown, prompting an intensive manhunt for the remaining suspects.
The incident happened on Thursday afternoon, 12 November 2026, after police responded to a business robbery in Greytown, where a shop owner was shot and injured while employees were reportedly assaulted.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, at least 10 suspects fled the scene in a Toyota Quantum. The station commander, a Lieutenant Colonel, led police officers and private security personnel in pursuit of the suspects.
The pursuit continued along the R33 towards Msinga, where officers caught up with the getaway vehicle and a shootout broke out.
Police Commander Killed As Officers Exchange Gunfire With Suspects
During the exchange of gunfire, the suspects shot the station commander, who was declared dead at the scene. A police sergeant was also shot in the arm and rushed to hospital for medical treatment.
Police confirmed that two suspects were fatally wounded during the shootout, while a third sustained injuries and was arrested. The injured suspect was taken to hospital under police guard.
Authorities also recovered three firearms from the suspects, including two rifles and a handgun.
However, several other suspects managed to escape and fled into the surrounding mountainous area, leading to an ongoing search operation.
Police Vow To Track Down Remaining Suspects
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba condemned the killing and vowed that police would use every available resource to find those responsible.
Makoba described an attack on police officers as an attack on the state and assured the public that officers would continue searching for the remaining suspects.
She also extended condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen station commander, describing her death as a significant loss to the police service.
Manhunt Continues
Police have vowed to continue their operations until all outstanding suspects are arrested and brought before the courts.
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by police officers responding to violent criminal activities, particularly when confronting heavily armed suspects.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information that could assist in locating the remaining suspects to come forward.
Main image: IOL
