Durban – Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a manhunt for suspects who allegedly opened fire on police officers transporting two men arrested with an AK-47 and ammunition in Cato Manor.
The incident happened on Monday night, 24 August 2026, after police conducting crime-prevention and stop-and-search operations spotted a silver Toyota Etios at Bonela Sports Field on Raymond Road.
Two occupants were found inside the vehicle and were arrested after police searched the car and recovered an AK-47 assault rifle and four fully loaded magazines.
Police said the suspects were being transported to a police station when two other vehicles began following them.
The vehicles were identified as a white Toyota double cab and a white Toyota Corolla Cross.
According to SAPS, the arrested suspects warned the officers that the occupants of the vehicles following them intended to attack them.
“The arrested suspects warned police officers to drive off because the occupants of those vehicles were going to shoot at them,” SAPS said.
The suspects allegedly told police they were expecting the same vehicles to deliver another AK-47 for a cash-in-transit robbery planned for Tuesday, 25 August.
Police said the officers accelerated but were subsequently subjected to heavy gunfire from the occupants of the two vehicles.
“Police indeed sped off but found themselves under heavy gunfire from the occupants of the two vehicles,” SAPS said.
The officers did not return fire because several members of the public were in the area, according to police.
“The presence of several members of the public prevented police from returning fire to avoid calamity,” SAPS said.
Instead, officers drove tactically until they reached a police station, where they found safety.
The two arrested suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the incident and were taken to hospital. SAPS said they were recovering under police guard.
Police have launched a manhunt for the suspects who allegedly attacked the officers and are appealing to the public for information that could lead to their arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS App.
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Picture: Facebook / SAPS
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
