A man alleged as a notorious gang leader linked to a series of banditries and murders had yesterday been gunned down and murdered by special crime prevention unit officers in Kisauni.

Police said the suspect, popularly known as Dula alias Captain J, was shot yesterday morning in Kadongo area after a two-hour trail.

Kisauni police boss, Julius Kiragu reportedly said a team of five police officers was transported after a tip off that the suspect had been spotted in the area with other four gang members.

He said a chase ensued and that when the gang was challenged to surrender, Dula drew a machete, prompting the shooting.

Four other suspects are said to have escaped with gunshot wounds. Four machetes were recovered.

"Dula has featured in many robbery incidents in Kisauni," said Mr Kiragu.

Dula was linked to a recent assault on a Technical University student. The student was stabbed in the thigh.

He was also linked to murdering of another student some weeks ago, and a recent banditry, in which a mobile phone money agent was murdered in Kadongo area.

Kiragu beseeched the public to report anyone with gunshot injuries to the police.

He warned medics in private clinics and hospitals against treating anyone with bullet wounds, saying the four who escaped might attempt to seek treatment.

One of the intelligence officers who had been trailing the gang leader said Dula was behind an assault of a church pastor, who was left with serious wounds by assailants targeting non-residents who refused to pay protection fees.