Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia has condemned the brutal killings of three police officers in two separate incidents on Friday, calling it a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in South Africa.
The minister spoke after visiting the grieving families of two officers— a Warrant Officer (51) and a Sergeant (45)—who were ambushed in the Johannesburg CBD while transporting an awaiting-trial prisoner, Jabulani Moyo, from the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court to the Boksburg Prison.
In a separate attack in Mpumalanga, a Sergeant (47) was fatally shot when a 10-member gang ambushed him and his colleagues as they responded to a business burglary in Siyabuswa.
Police have announced a R150,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators in each case.
“This is another reminder of the difficult and dangerous work that the South African Police Service and its members do on behalf of our people,” said Cachalia. “It highlights the vicious nature of criminals who are willing to kill without mercy.”
The minister expressed confidence that investigators were making progress and that the suspects would be apprehended. “I am confident that in this particular case, the police are already making progress, and the suspects will face justice,” he said.
The killings have sparked renewed calls for improved officer safety and tougher measures against violent crime. Police unions and community leaders have urged the public to assist in tracking down the attackers, emphasizing that targeting law enforcement undermines the safety of all citizens.
Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.