Johannesburg – Police have appealed to residents of Reiger Park in Gauteng and surrounding areas to provide information that could help investigators identify and arrest the suspects responsible for the killing of two Anti-Gang Unit officers on Friday night.
The officers were patrolling the area when they heard gunfire and headed towards the source of the shooting. They were ambushed after arriving at the scene.
Two women were also killed in the attack.
Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, said specialised investigative units and other resources had been deployed to track down the perpetrators.
Dimpane urged community members not to protect or harbour the suspects, saying information from residents could be critical 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 called on residents to share any information with investigators, regardless of how insignificant they believed it might be.
The Acting National Commissioner also paid tribute to the two officers, saying their deaths had left two families mourning.
“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.”
Dimpane appealed to the Reiger Park community to support the police investigation and help ensure that those responsible are brought before the courts.
“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.”
SAPS said it had mobilised maximum resources, including specialised investigative units, to locate the suspects.
Dimpane reiterated that police would continue pursuing all leads until those responsible were arrested and brought before the courts.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
