KwaZulu-Natal police force arrested six suspects during a hunt down operation where a shootout took place in Inanda on Friday September 25, 2026. One individual was fatally wounded and lost his life during the operation. Other five suspects were arrested in Pinetown, Amanzimtoti, Mandeni and Newlands West area.
According to police reports, the operation was executed after a months-long investigation. The operation was launched to arrest suspects of the murders of two Crime Intelligence officers, Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo. The operation took place in the early hours of Friday September 25, 2026. In the operation several police units worked in collaboration aided by the guidance from the prosecutorial.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, who serves as the spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal police, shared that the sixth suspect’s location was reported in a house in Emaplaini, Inanda. He further mentioned that the suspect was not willing to surrender to the police officers and opened fire from inside the property.
This led to a three hours long standoff and at last he released his girlfriend who was inside the house with him and later on he was shot and fatally wounded. Moreover, a Special Task Officer was also shot in the hand during the negotiations between the suspects and police officers. Five other arrested suspects are being processed and scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 28, 2026.
According to prior information, both Crime Intelligence officers Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo were ambushed in Mount Edgecombe on April 30, 2026. Captain Nel died at the scene and Sergeant Khuzwayo died a few weeks later. Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, acting National commissioner Lieutenant shared the condolence on the loss of two officers.
He said, “The loss of Sergeant Khuzwayo is yet another painful reminder of the dangers our members face daily in the execution of their duties”.
Notably, Major General Nonkululeko Phokane talked about the Friday operation and said that the operation may not bring back both officers but it reflects that the justice is done.