Francois Schoeman, CEO at Zimbali Estate, has assured residents of the contemporary coastal forest estate that their safety and security is of importance to management.
This after a fatal shootout broke out between police officers and wanted criminals.
The estate, which offers an authentic and harmonious lifestyle to the multi-generations of families, is located in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
In a statement on Thursday, Schoeman said the shootout took place on Wednesday afternoon when police were conducting a pre-arranged operation at Zimbali Estate.
The operation was conducted with the aim of arresting a resident who is allegedly associated with an ongoing criminal case.
“During the operation, gunshots were exchanged, resulting in the demise of suspects,” Schoeman said.
However, the authorities were able to apprehend several other individuals involved.
“Though we may lack comprehensive details about the case, we find solace in knowing that our estate has been cleared of these criminal elements,” Schoeman said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed the shootout and said about six firearms and over 1 000 rounds of ammunition were confiscated at the crime scene, where two suspects were fatally wounded.
“Police officers from the KwaZulu-Natal stability unit operationalised intelligence regarding the whereabouts of suspects who were alleged to have been linked with the killing of five people at a parking lot in Richards Bay CBD on Tuesday morning,” said Netshiunda.
The tactically astute police officers gained entry to the residence and before they knew it, they found themselves under gunfire from the suspects.
“Police retaliated and at the end of the shootout, two suspects were found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds.”
Netshiunda said police investigations into the matter continue and a search for more possible suspects is ongoing.
Reports say the suspects were part of a group of assailants who gunned down five people in Richards Bay early in the week.
The shooting happened at a shopping centre’s parking lot and it is alleged that it was connected to an ongoing drug-related fight.
Members of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate were summoned to the scene for further investigations.
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