Johannesburg – Two policemen from the Anti-Gang Unit who were part of a crime prevention team conducting patrols in Reiger Park have been shot dead.
The police officers were responding to gunshots in the area when they were gunned down at about 19:30 earlier this evening, Friday, 7 August 2026.
The incident also claimed the lives of two civilians, while others were injured.
They were ambushed as they drove towards the source of the shots, where they were allegedly ambushed.
Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Gauteng Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has mobilised resources, including Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team, Crime Scene Management as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
The Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has appealed to the community of Reiger Park and surrounding areas to stand with the police by assisting investigators in bringing to justice those responsible for the murders.
While maximum resources, including specialised investigative units, have been mobilised to hunt down the killers, Lieutenant General Dimpane believes that members of the community hold the key to solving this case.
“We know that someone saw what happened. Someone knows who pulled the trigger, who planned this attack or where the suspects are hiding,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.
“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.”
The Acting National Commissioner urged residents to work hand in hand with the police by sharing any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
“Our members are not just police officers,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.
“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.”
“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.”
Lieutenant General Dimpane reiterated that the SAPS will leave no stone unturned in tracking down the perpetrators and ensuring they are brought before the courts to answer for their crimes.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, together with the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, visited the scene in Reiger Park following the attack.
Premier Lesufi expressed his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four people who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
“An attack on our police is a declaration of war against the state and against the people of Gauteng,” said Premier Lesufi.
“We cannot and will not allow criminals to terrorise our communities, murder police officers and innocent civilians and believe that they can escape the consequences of their actions.”
The Premier said the killing of police officers in the line of duty was particularly disturbing because they had dedicated their lives to protecting communities and confronting some of the province’s most dangerous criminal elements.
Premier Lesufi said the latest incident was particularly painful because he had previously visited Reiger Park following another mass shooting in the area.
“This is the second time I have come to Reiger Park under these circumstances.
“The first time I came here was after a mass shooting, and now I am back because once again innocent people have been killed. This cannot continue.
“Reiger Park must not become synonymous with mass shootings and the loss of innocent lives.”
The Premier welcomed the immediate mobilisation of law-enforcement resources by Commissioner Mthombeni and called for an intensive investigation to ensure that every person involved in the attack is identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
“Someone knows who did this. Someone knows where the killers are. We appeal to that person to come forward,” Premier Lesufi said.
“Protecting criminals only puts more innocent lives at risk.
“Our communities must stand with the police, not with those who terrorise them.”
