Four suspects were shot and killed during a shootout with police at the Amadikwe informal settlement in Inanda, north of Durban, late on Tuesday night.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police, the men were wanted in connection with several serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder and robbery. Officers reportedly tracked the suspects to the informal settlement, where a confrontation ensued, resulting in a gun battle.
Police said the four men were fatally wounded during the exchange of fire. Three firearms were recovered from the scene.
In the same operation, three additional suspects were arrested, while a search is ongoing for others who allegedly fled the scene.
The incident follows a similar shootout last month in Woodlands, south of Durban, where four alleged suspects were also shot and killed during a confrontation with police.
Authorities say investigations are continuing.