"Mhlekwa Gumede was shot dead on Sunday evening after he had opened fire on the police. The police wanted to arrest him for murder," said Captain Jabulani Mdletshe.

Gumede had allegedly just shot dead his neighbour Dumisani Gumede (40) when he allegedly opened fire on the police, Mdletshe said.

"He shot the man right in front of his gate and he hid in the bush. He opened fire on the police and members of the community who were looking for him."

Mdletshe said the Gumedes had been at loggerheads for some time.

"We have been told that they even went to a traditional court to sort out their differences," said Mdletshe.