A 22-year-old suspect was fatally shot after allegedly attempting to kill police officers during a violent incident in the holding cells at Ntuzuma police station in Durban on Monday morning.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect had been arrested on Saturday, 14 March 2026, on charges of attempted murder.
The situation escalated on Monday, 16 March 2026, when he allegedly overpowered police officers while they were attending to him in the holding cells.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshuinda said the incident unfolded when two police officers entered the cells to charge the suspect.
The suspect reportedly overpowered the officers, assaulted them and took the keys to the main door from them.
Police said the officers managed to call for backup as the situation escalated. When additional uniformed officers arrived to assist, the suspect allegedly grabbed a firearm from one of them and began firing shots while locking the officers inside the holding cells.
Police members then took tactical cover as the suspect continued firing.
“The hostage situation continued for several minutes before tactical police teams managed to penetrate the cells and during the operation, the 22-year-old suspect was shot and fatally wounded. Two police officers, a male and female, sustained minor injuries during the scuffle,” said Netshuinda.
Authorities confirmed that the officers held hostage will be temporarily withdrawn from active duty.
SAPS said the affected members will undergo psychological debriefing sessions following the traumatic incident.
Police are continuing with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
SATURDAY STAR