Durban -
Police believe they may have finally cracked the so-called “Knocker Gang” syndicate after they arrested three suspects and killed one in a shoot-out in Westville.
The four men had followed a man from Standard Bank in Briardene in a white Opel Corsa, after he withdrew a large amount of cash on Friday. The man was unaware he was being followed.
A police patrol in Reservoir Hills noticed the men acting suspiciously when they passed them in Sternhold Avenue.
Police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, said the police made a U-turn and tried to stop the Corsa, but the driver sped off.
“The chase ensued through the suburb into Pridley Road, St Pauls Avenue and Northbourne Avenue into Westville North where it is alleged gunshots were exchanged between the men and police. The driver of the Corsa lost control and hit the pavement at a high speed, causing the tyres to burst,” Zwane said.
The Corsa came to a halt at the intersection of Aylesbury Avenue and Chearsley Road.
Three suspects fled from the car while one was arrested near the vehicle by Sydenham police.
Members of Westville SAPS, Pinetown SAPS rapid response and the Durban South dog unit converged and tracked the men in the bush next to the M19.
“In the follow-up operation, one suspect was shot dead, a 9mm CZ pistol was recovered and two other suspects were flushed back up into the suburban area and arrested by the metro dog unit,” he said.
Police at the scene said the vehicle had been used in an armed robbery in Pinetown.
The suspects were due in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday on charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The firearm will be examined by ballistics to see if it has been used in other crimes. Zwane said an inquest docket was also opened at Westville police station.
The Knocker Gang waits outside banks for people who withdraw large amounts of cash. They follow their victims home or to their businesses and then rob them at gunpoint.