'Cop killer' shot dead

2003-05-18 22:29

Durban - A man police accuse of being a wanted "cop killer" and two men believed to be his accomplices were shot and killed on Sunday during an operation in Shongweni, west of Durban, a spokesperson said.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Superintendent Vish Naidoo said the operation was launched after Zibuse Sylvester Zuma, 42, phoned Durban's Serious and Violent Crimes Unit detectives last week and offered to bribe them so that he could remain at large.

Zuma, sought for killing three policemen in 2001, and two men in the mid-30's met one of the detectives at an open veld in Shongweni on Sunday at about 11:00 and handed over a "substantial" amount of money.

The policeman called for backup after receiving cash and when it arrived the three men realised it was a "set-up" and a shoot-out ensued.

Zuma and his accomplices were shot and killed. None of the policemen were injured.

Naidoo said Zuma was sought for the killing of Inspector Quinton Reid and Sergeant Sandile Gaza in Umbumulu in March 2001.

He also allegedly shot and killed Inspector Gugu Gumede in Pinetown on November of that year.

- SAPA