Known gangster taken for questioning for killing of two Anti-Gang Unit officers

A known gangster who was out on bail on several outstanding cases has been taken in for questioning following the killing of two Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit officers in Reiger Park.

Two rifles belonging to the South African Police Service (SAPS) were also recovered at KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston in connection with the killings.

This was confirmed by the SAPS and the Hawks in a joint statement on Monday, August 10.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that a person of interest was taken in for questioning in Germiston on Monday.

This comes after the fatal shooting of two Anti-Gang Unit police officers and two civilian women in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni.

The slain police officers have been identified as Constable Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Constable Sphiwe Sibeko, 28.

“A person of interest has been taken in for questioning and two rifles belonging to the SAPS were recovered at KwaDukathole Informal settlement in Germiston.”

Mogale said a multidisciplinary team comprising the DPCI’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation, PRASA, Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team and Anti-Gang Unit had worked throughout the weekend and made a breakthrough on Monday.

She said the team had been conducting a tracing operation for people involved in the murders of the officers and the women.

“The Acting National Head, Lieutenant-General Sphesihle Nkosi, whilst conveying his condolences to the slain members’ families, friends and colleagues, says the arrest and recovery of the R5 rifles demonstrates that SAPS will relentlessly pursue those who target police officers and communities.”

Mogale said the person taken in for questioning was a known gangster.

“The person is reportedly a known gangster who was out on bail with several outstanding cases before court including two for murder, two for attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.”

She said the investigation into the killings remained ongoing, with police continuing to pursue all those involved.

“SAPS and the DPCI remain committed to dismantling criminal networks, removing illegal firearms from communities and ensuring that those who attack police officers are brought to justice.”

Mogale said more arrests had not been ruled out.

The development comes after Sibeko and Tlomatsana were fatally shot in the area at about 7.30pm on Friday.

“Preliminary reports indicate that the members were part of a crime prevention team conducting patrols in the area,” Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili previously said.

“After hearing gunshots, they drove towards the source of the shots, where they were allegedly ambushed.”

Meanwhile, Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane appealed to the Reiger Park community and surrounding areas to assist investigators in bringing those responsible for the murders to justice.

She said that while maximum resources, including specialised investigative units, had been mobilised to hunt down the killers, members of the community held the key to solving the case.

“We know that someone saw what happened. Someone knows who pulled the trigger, who planned this attack or where the suspects are hiding. We are pleading with the community not to protect ruthless criminals who have no regard for human life. Your silence only emboldens those who continue to terrorise your community,” said Dimpane.

She urged residents to work with police by sharing any information, no matter how insignificant it might seem.

“Our members are not just police officers. They are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, sons and daughters who leave their homes every day knowing they may not return, all in the service of protecting South Africans. Today, two families are mourning because these brave officers answered a call for help.”

“We are asking the people of Reiger Park to stand with us. Stand with the families of these fallen heroes. Stand for justice. Stand against criminals who continue to rob communities of peace and safety. If you know something, say something. Help us ensure that those responsible are arrested and face the full might of the law,” she added.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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