Johannesburg – South African Police Service (SAPS) officials have recovered two state-issued firearms linked to the fatal shooting of two officers in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, last Friday.
The victims, Sergeant Rapetsoa and Constable Montja, who were attached to the Ivory Park police station, were shot and killed during the incident.
Following the murders, SAPS mobilised maximum resources to track down the suspects and recover the officers’ firearms.
An intelligence-driven operation by crime intelligence officers, supported by the Sedibeng Tactical Response Team (TRT), led the Hawks to Tembisa and Mamelodi East.
In Mamelodi, police recovered a 9mm pistol and an R5 rifle, along with several rounds of ammunition.
“The firearms have been positively identified as belonging to the two police officers who were disarmed before being killed,” SAPS confirmed in a statement.
“As investigations continue into the murder of the two police officers, the suspects will for now only face a charge of being in the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition”
Police say the search for additional suspects and a second 9mm state pistol is ongoing.
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, praised the efforts of the team.
“I applaud the officers for working tirelessly and moving with speed to recover the stolen firearms and ultimately identify those responsible for the murders of Sergeant Rapetsoa and Constable Montja,” she said.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward as investigations continue.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
