Police deny killing family members in KZN.

According to the family, police stormed the household,
demanding illegal firearms and ammunition.(SABC)

Police have refuted claims, made by a family whose three members were allegedly killed by police at Loskop in Escourt in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands on Friday night.

Police say their visit to the family was a routine operation between the Tactical Response Team and the National Intervention Unit.

Police spokesperson Nqobile Gwala says one of the deceased was wanted for attempted murder.

“They went to the house in Ngonyameni area, upon entering the house they were allegedly shot by the suspects who were armed with firearms. As a result, three suspects died at the scene during the exchange of gun-fire between the suspects and the police, four unlicensed firearms were found at the scene. All pistols and rounds of ammunition were also confiscated as well as the bullet proof vest were also found from the suspects,” says Gwala.

Meanwhile, relatives claim that they are being targeted by police. According to the family, police stormed the household, demanding illegal firearms and ammunition. They alleged police opened fire, forcing them to retaliate in self-defence.

Family member Thandiwe Kubheka claims that they are constantly being targeted because of their involvement in the taxi industry.

“I don't know why we were attacked, this is not the first attack. On Wednesday we were attacked, one family member was shot by an unknown person. My son has been shot several times, he went to Johannesburg, again he was shot at. He then came with these taxi owners who wanted to help him as he was attacked,” says Kubheka.

Culled from SABC.

By Fenele Mhlongo.