Man shot after pulling toy gun on police

A man believed to be part of a car theft syndicate was shot dead after he pulled a toy gun on a police patrol.

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Durban - A man believed to be part of a car theft syndicate was killed after he pulled a toy gun on a police patrol.

Meanwhile, two others were arrested just before the fatal shoot-out with police in Glenwood on Monday.

The SAPS Durban K9 Unit spotted three men trying to steal a vehicle and gave chase, said police spokesman Major Thulani Zwane.

“The suspects fled and one drew a toy gun. He pointed at the police officers, who fatally shot him,” he said.

Two other men in the car, aged 29 and 35, were arrested, said Zwane.

Police stopped the three, who were in a white VW Golf, on Sir Liege Avenue, and arrested two men before the driver sped off into Evans Road.

It is alleged the man who was shot pointed a gun at the policemen in pursuit.

Police fired several rounds, with one of them hitting the driver.

He then crashed into a house before the intersection with Binns Avenue.

According to the home owner, who did not want to be named, he was in his bedroom when he heard loud bangs followed by a loud crashing noise.

He initially thought someone was trying to break in.

“I ran to the roadside... and saw the white Golf which had crashed through the front gate and wall. I normally park my van in that spot.

“I only realised the driver was in the car when police arrived,” he said.

Inside the car, police found a navy blue bag with car computer boxes, which are used to override car electronic systems, and car break-in tools.

Police said the car belonged to the deceased, whose name has not been released to the media. He had stuck on a false set of number plates.

The front of the Golf crashed through a low wall, a steel gate and fencing.

It was extensively damaged with blood splattered inside, including on the air bag that inflated on impact. The back and side windows were shattered.

One of the residents provided a towel to cover the deceased, 29, who was lying sprawled on the pavement.

Another resident said she heard between five and seven bangs go off and then the sound of the car crashing into the wall.

A docket of attempted theft of motor vehicle was opened at the nearby Umbilo police station.

Zwane said an inquest docket had been opened.

Daily News