KZN VIP Security Disputes Police Claims Over Officers Killed in Eastern Cape Shootout

by Hope Ngobeni

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KwaZulu-Natal-based private security company KZN VIP is vehemently disputing police reports that their officers were involved in a fatal shootout with authorities in the Eastern Cape last month, asserting that their guards were not suspects.

The incident, which occurred on February 20 on the N2 near Ndabakazi outside Butterworth, was described by Eastern Cape police as a shootout involving suspects who allegedly fired on police during a high-speed chase. Six people were fatally wounded, and firearms were recovered from their vehicles. Among the deceased was notorious extortion kingpin Yanga ‘Bara’ Nyalara.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa had stated that members of the National Intervention Unit, acting on a tip-off, pursued two vehicles from Cofimvaba. After the suspects allegedly opened fire on police, a deadly exchange ensued. However, KZN VIP has disputed these claims, maintaining that their guards were not involved in any criminal activity.

Gareth Naidoo, a spokesperson for KZN VIP, clarified the company’s position, pointing to videos and photographs circulating on social media that suggest their officers’ innocence. β€œWe remain hopeful that this evidence will help to prove the innocence of our members,” Naidoo stated.

The company also rejected accusations that their officers were linked to a Cash in Transit robbery or had been in possession of unlicensed firearms. KZN VIP urged anyone with relevant information to assist the ongoing investigation and contact the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid).

Ipid confirmed it is actively investigating the matter, though Phaladi Shupping, an Ipid representative, declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

As the probe continues, the identities of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the shootout remain under intense scrutiny, with KZN VIP determined to clear the names of its officers.

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