Durban – Two men were shot dead during a gun battle with police at the notorious Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi on Monday night, KwaZulu-Natal police confirmed.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, the confrontation erupted when officers tracked down suspects linked to a recent hijacking in Harding.
“Police were looking for a suspect wanted in connection with a hijacking case that took place in Harding on Friday, 19 September 2025, where a van was hijacked by five men at gunpoint,” said Magwaza.
He said one suspect had already been arrested for the hijacking, and officers had been pursuing the remaining suspects.
“Information was received that one of the wanted suspects was hiding at Glebelands Hostel in Umlazi. An operation was then planned and executed on Monday night,” Magwaza said.
#sapsKZN Two suspects fatally wounded during shootout with police at Glebelands Hostel. On Monday, 20/10, Police were looking for a suspect who was #wanted in connection with a hijacking case which took place in Harding on Friday, 19/09, where a van was hijacked by five men at… pic.twitter.com/jmeMSpqkqN
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) October 21, 2025
When officers arrived at the targeted room, they identified themselves before coming under fire.
“Police officers knocked and announced themselves, but the occupants responded by firing shots towards the members,” Magwaza said.
“A gun battle ensued, and two suspects, aged 27 and 30, were fatally wounded.”
Following the shootout, police recovered two unlicensed firearms and six rounds of ammunition at the scene.
Magwaza said investigations into the incident are continuing and that the recovered firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes.
Glebelands Hostel has long been associated with violent crimes and political killings, with police frequently conducting operations in the area to root out criminal activity.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
