The second suspect arrested in the killing of two Gauteng Anti-Gang Unit officers and two women in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, is expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
The Hawks confirmed that he will make his first court appearance.
He was arrested in the area on Sunday, August 16, by a multidisciplinary team comprising the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and the Flying Squad.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the 24-year-old was arrested in Reiger Park following an intensive tracing operation.
The arrest comes as police maintain that 23-year-old Reagan Cheslin Collis, who was first arrested in connection with the murders, is the alleged gunman responsible for the shootings.
However, IOL reported on Saturday that a source familiar with the incident who had seen CCTV footage disputed the police case, claiming Collis may not have been the shooter.
IOL has seen the footage.
According to the source, Collis was inside his grandmother’s house when the shooting took place.
The source says the footage shows another man, wearing a dark hoodie and red tracksuit pants, shooting the two women before fleeing in a silver-grey Volkswagen Polo.
Collis is allegedly seen afterwards confronting the gunman and saying: “I saw you.”
It is further alleged that Collis and his friends had a longstanding rivalry with a gang known as the Sour Boys, and had received threats from the group hours before the shooting.
It is claimed the attack was intended to target Collis and his associates.
Collis was arrested following an operation that led to the recovery of two R5 rifles at the KwaDukathole informal settlement in Germiston.
He faces four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and charges relating to the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
His case was postponed to August 25 for a formal bail application.
The shootings claimed the lives of Anti-Gang Unit officers Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, as well as civilians Roleen Lessing and Jaydin Margerman.
Police said the officers were part of a crime-prevention team conducting patrols in the area when they heard the gunshots which killed the women and drove towards the source, where they were allegedly ambushed.
Acting police minister Professor Firoz Cachalia said the developments demonstrated the commitment and determination of law enforcement teams to ensure those responsible for the crime are brought before the courts to face justice.
He also highlighted the importance of communities working with police.
“We commend the members of all the teams involved in this investigation for the progress that has been made.”
“The arrest of a second suspect is another important step towards ensuring that everyone responsible for this senseless loss of life is held accountable.”
He thanked community members who have worked with law enforcement teams and provided information that assisted in advancing the investigation.
“The co-operation between communities and the police is critical in ensuring that those who commit such heinous crimes are brought to justice. We continue to mourn the loss of these two brave members who dedicated their lives to fighting gangs and protecting our communities.”
“We also remember the two young women whose lives were tragically cut short. Our thoughts remain with all the bereaved families during this difficult period.”
“We encourage the community to continue working with the police and to share any information that may assist in identifying and apprehending those who remain at large,” he added.
Meanwhile, acting national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Puleng Dimpane welcomed the role played by the Reiger Park community in assisting the investigation.
“This arrest is not only a victory for SAPS; it is also a demonstration of the power of a community that refuses to be silenced by criminals,” Dimpane said.
She assured Reiger Park residents that police and their law enforcement partners would continue working to identify and arrest those responsible for the violence.
Dimpane emphasised that communities are an important partner in the fight against crime, particularly in areas affected by gang violence.
“When communities speak up, they give police the information we need to move investigations forward. We therefore urge the people of Reiger Park to continue standing with the police and to continue providing information that can help us identify and arrest those who commit violent crimes,” she said.
She urged residents to continue providing information to law enforcement, particularly in communities affected by gang violence.
“We want the people of Reiger Park to know that we hear you. We appreciate those who have chosen to stand up and speak up. Your information matters, and your courage strengthens our investigations. We will continue working with you to reclaim our communities from criminals,” she added.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
