Johannesburg: National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has condemned the recent killings of South African Police Service (SAPS) members, warning that it is not only an assault on the Justice and Crime Prevention Security Cluster, but a direct attack on the authority of the rule of law and the state. Masemola was speaking on Saturday during a visit to the families of Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa and Sergeant Simon Masenye, who were shot dead while transporting a suspect.
According to South African Government News Agency, the officers were escorting awaiting trial prisoner Jabulani Moyo when they were ambushed in the Roodepoort town centre. Moyo remains at large, and a massive manhunt is underway. The SAPS has lost three police officers in the last 24 hours in the line of duty, and in the last financial year, 27 officers died while serving. Masemola highlighted the personal impact on the families left behind and emphasized that the officers were dedicated to protecting the people of South Africa.
Masemola urged police officers not to remain silent and to act when necessary, emphasizing the need to use force proportional to threats. He reminded officers to stay vigilant and ahead of criminals. The Johannesburg Trio Task Team, to which the deceased officers were attached, is responsible for investigating robberies and hijackings. Sintwa and Masenye had served 23 and 17 years, respectively.
The Hawks are leading the investigation into the killings, relying on witness accounts and evidence from the scene. A multidisciplinary team is actively searching for Moyo, and questions about the circumstances of the ambush, such as whether Moyo was handcuffed, are under investigation. The police have offered a R150,000 cash reward for information on Moyo’s whereabouts, warning the public of his dangerous nature.
Additionally, a reward is offered for information on suspects involved in the killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, who was shot while responding to a burglary. Masemola thanked police officers for their service and urged them to continue their work with determination.