Tragedy Strikes: Richards Bay Businessman Shot Dead at Zimbali Estate
In a tragic incident, Nkululeko Mkhize, a prominent businessman from Richards Bay, was fatally shot.
The unfortunate event occurred on a Wednesday afternoon at Zimbali Estate, located north of Durban.
Mkhize lost his life during a confrontation with the SAPS’s National Intervention Unit when they conducted a raid at the estate to apprehend him.
Gunfight Erupts at Zimbali Estate During SAPS Operation
Speaking with “TimesLive“, Provincial police spokesperson Col Robert Netshiunda said law enforcement officers were met with gunfire during an operation at the Ballito estate. The ensuing exchange of fire resulted in the fatal injuries of two suspects. At the crime scene, six firearms and more than a thousand rounds of ammunition were discovered.
This operation was in response to intelligence indicating that these suspects were potentially connected to a recent incident in which five individuals were killed in a parking lot in Richards Bay CBD on the preceding Tuesday morning.
Netshiunda said the police came under fire when they penetrated the residence. Police retaliated and at the end of the shoot-out, two suspects were found to have sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Netshiunda reported that the police were under fire when they entered the residence, prompting them to return fire. Consequently, two suspects were fatally wounded. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) was called to the scene to investigate the incident.
Estate CEO Provides Confirms Richards Bay Businessman Shot at Zimbali Estate
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In an internal memo issued by Zimbali Estate’s CEO, Francois Schoeman, it was revealed that a joint operation involving the South African Police Service’s national intervention and crime intelligence units had been prearranged to apprehend a resident associated with an ongoing criminal case.
“Regrettably, during the operation, gunshots were exchanged, resulting in the demise of suspects. 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. The safety and security of our community remain paramount, and we appreciate the dedicated efforts of law enforcement in ensuring our wellbeing and the special arrangements that have been made to ensure the safety of other residents in the vicinity,” he said.