Police gun down two hit men who are wanted for the murder of seven family members, including three children

Tuesday, October 08, 2024 - Two suspects who are believed to have been part of a heavily armed gang of assassins who ambushed and killed seven members of the Khambule family in Highflats in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were killed in a gun battle with police on Tuesday, October 8.

According to the South Africa Police Service (SAPS), provincial spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, police followed up on intelligence.

They spotted a vehicle fitting the description of the one that the suspects were said to be travelling in.

“Police signalled for the driver of the vehicle to stop. But the suspects responded by firing shots at police officers. Police were left with no option but to return fire in self-defence,” said Netshiunda.

The alleged assassins were cornered on St Faith Road in the same rural town of Highflats.

They were wanted in connection with the killing of seven family members, including three children.

This happened in the rural village of Hlokozi on the night of 11 September, 2024.

Netshiunda also said during the shootout, two suspects were fatally wounded.

He also confirmed that a woman was also caught in the crossfire during the shootout.

The woman was inside the suspects’ vehicle when the shootout ensued, leading to her demise.

"A rifle and a police-issued pistol were found in possession of the suspects. The operation is continuing in search of another suspect who narrowly escaped arrest on foot,” he said.

This intelligence-driven operation was led by the DPCI Provincial Tracking Team and DPCI Anti-Gang Unit. It included the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, TRT, PMB K9 and Provincial Forensics Leads Unit. Also Metro Police Special Operations Directorate, Fidelity SIU and the Hawks Protection Services. Magma Security & Investigations were also among the others involved.

Among the assassinated Khambule family members were three women aged 35, 38, 55, a 48-year-old man and three children aged five, 11 and 12.

According to the evidence before the police, the family members were ambushed while in a living room and shot dead.

Most of the victims were shot on the head execution style while lying on the floor.

Their lifeless bodies were found lying in a pool of blood inside.

Police also revealed that 25 bullets were used during the assassination. 

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