WATCH | Service gun snatched as suspects disarm JMPD officer in Lenasia

JMPD officer

Johannesburg – A manhunt has been launched after a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer was disarmed and robbed of his service firearm while on duty in Lenasia on Thursday.

According to IOL News, the officer was carrying out official duties when he was accosted by several male suspects, who seized his firearm before fleeing in a getaway vehicle towards the Golden Highway.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the incident, saying: “During the encounter, the suspects managed to disarm the officer before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle toward the Golden Highway.”

The officer was not seriously injured in the confrontation, although the JMPD said medical and wellness support had been activated following the incident.

The attack has prompted a joint investigation involving dedicated JMPD units and other law-enforcement agencies, with authorities focused on recovering the stolen firearm and identifying those responsible.

Fihla condemned the attack, saying: “An attack on an officer represents a direct threat to the safety of our communities.”

Kaya 959 also reported that the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday and confirmed that the suspects fled towards the Golden Highway.

The JMPD has appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to come forward. Anonymous information can be provided to the City of Johannesburg Emergency Number on 011 375 5911 or the SAPS Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.

No arrests had been reported at the time of publication and investigations were continuing.

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