Johannesburg – Two police detectives who were transporting a suspect, Jabulani Moyo, have been shot and killed in Roodepoort.
The deadly incident in which the suspect escaped occurred on Friday, 8 August 2025.
Narrating events leading to the fatal shootings, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “The two police officers, a sergeant and warrant officer, were transporting Moyo back to prison after he appeared before Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court”.
The accused was appearing in court for a case of business robbery that took place in February 2023.
“While at Roodepoort CBD, they were shot at and disarmed,” said Lieutenant Colonel Masondo.
“The sergeant was certified dead on the crime scene while the warrant officer was taken to the hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival.
“Moyo was seen driving the police vehicle that was later found abandoned a few kilometres from the crime scene.”
Police have opened a case of murder, with two counts, for investigation.
Lieutenant Colonel Masondo said the police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.
It has since emerged that the escapee was unlawfully in possession of police firearms.
Alarmed by the brazen escape, the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has deployed maximum resources to trace Moyo.
A multidisciplinary team, consisting of crime intelligence operatives, detectives, the Gauteng DPC tracking teams, and the Hawks, is actively searching for Moyo on the ground.
Police have since established that the awaiting trial prisoner shot and killed the two detectives.
General Masemola warned the public not to shelter “this dangerous criminal who is in possession of a SAPS state firearm”.
General Masemola added: “The same firearm that he stole from one of the officers is the same firearm that was allegedly used to kill the two detectives”.
“Moyo must be stopped in his tracks, and he can only be prevented from committing further crimes if the community cooperates with the police by providing us with information on his whereabouts.
“Moyo is a dangerous criminal, and our operatives are on the ground looking for him to prevent him from committing any more heinous crimes.
“We will not rest until we find him, and we are also warning him to hand himself over to his nearest police station.”
The Acting Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, has conveyed the ministry’s sympathies to the families.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen detectives,” said Minister Cachalia.
“Their sacrifice in the line of duty is a stark reminder of the daily dangers faced by our police officers as they work to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all South Africans.
“We owe them, and every officer who puts on the blue uniform, a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot fully express.”
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call Crime stop on 08600 10111.
Information can also be given anonymously via MySAPS App, which can be downloaded from any smartphone.
