Johannesburg – A suspected gangster has been arrested and two rifles belonging to the South African Police Service (SAPS) recovered during a tracing operation linked to the killing of two police officers and two civilian women in Reiger Park, east of Johannesburg.
SAPS said a multidisciplinary team made a breakthrough on Sunday, 9 August 2026, after working throughout the weekend to track suspects allegedly involved in the killings.
The operation involved investigators from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), PRASA, Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, the Tactical Response Team and the Anti-Gang Unit.
The team recovered two SAPS rifles at the KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston.
“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,” police said.
The killings claimed the lives of two Gauteng SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members, Constables Tlomatsana and Sibeko, as well as two civilian women.
Acting National Head of SAPS, Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi, conveyed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those killed.
Nkosi said the arrest and recovery of one of the rifles demonstrated the police service’s determination to pursue those responsible for attacks on police officers and communities.
“The arrest and recovery of the R5 demonstrate that SAPS will relentlessly pursue those who target police officers and communities,” Nkosi said.
SAPS said the suspect is reportedly a known gangster who was out on bail and had several outstanding cases before court, including two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The investigation into the Reiger Park killings remains ongoing, with police continuing to trace other people who may have been 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,” the police said.
A person of interest has been taken in for questioning, while investigators have not ruled out further arrests.
“The investigation is continuing and we are not ruling out the possibility of more arrests,” SAPS said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Facebook/SAPS
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
