DURBAN - Four suspects have been shot and killed in a shootout with KwaZulu-Natal police in Belair.
The suspects were wanted in connection with a series of kidnappings and robberies, particularly south of Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said intelligence-driven operations led officers to track down the suspects.
"When authorities spotted the vehicle, which fit the description they were looking for, operators came to stop the vehicle, but suspects chose to drive off, and police had to give chase," Netshiunda said.
He said the suspects led police to a house believed to be their hideout, with part of the property allegedly operating as a salon.
A shootout ensued at the location, leaving four suspects dead, while a fifth suspect managed to evade arrest
"They essentially led police officers to their hideout. It's an active crime scene. Our forensics will come and comb the scene properly. We don't know what's inside the house, as it stands, apart from the firearms that we recovered.
"But when our forensics come here and comb the house properly, we believe that we can find something that we can use as evidence," he said.
Netshiunda said a manhunt has been launched for the remaining suspect, who may be armed.
"We believe that if we were able to recover four firearms from four suspects, the other suspect could be in possession of a firearm. That is why we are looking for him to ensure that the firearm he has if any is not used to commit other crime," he said.
Meanwhile, two women who were found inside the house are now being processed to determine whether they are linked to the suspects, Netshiunda said.