The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, together with the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi and the Acting National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, will today visit the scene in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, where two civilian women and two members of the Anti-Gang Unit tragically lost their lives.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the delegation will also be joined by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, as they visit the scene on Sunday afternoon.
This as the Acting National Commissioner appealed to the community of Reiger Park and surrounding areas to stand with the police and assist investigators in bringing to justice those responsible for the killings.
Government also condemned Friday’s incident in which the two officers were conducting patrols in the area when they heard gunshots and moved towards the source of the shots and were subsequently shot and killed.
“Government will not allow criminal elements and gangs to undermine the ability of law enforcement to protect communities and uphold the law. Law enforcement agencies have deployed resources to apprehend those responsible for these killings. Every effort will be made to ensure that those behind this attack are brought to justice and face the full might of the law,” Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa said in a statement.
SAPS’ Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team, Crime Scene Management as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has been mobilised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Reiger Park community members are urged to work with police to provide any information they have on the incident.
“Communities have a vital role to play in reclaiming their neighbourhoods from gangs, drugs and other forms of criminality. Government recognises that the fight against crime cannot be won by law enforcement alone.
“Communities are an essential partner in this effort. Community members are encouraged to work with the police, report criminal activity and provide information that can assist in disrupting criminal activities.
“The killing of these two officers reinforces the need for a united response to criminality.
"Government will continue to strengthen law enforcement operations and work with communities to create safer neighbourhoods, while ensuring that those who threaten the safety and security of South Africans are held accountable,” the statement read.
Increased measures have been rolled out by the government to combat organised and violent offences, encompassing both gang criminality and illicit narcotics.
“Through sustained, intelligence-led and multidisciplinary operations such as Operation Shanela, law enforcement agencies are targeting crime hotspots, tracing wanted suspects, disrupting criminal networks and removing illegal drugs and other illicit goods from communities.
“Government remains resolute in protecting the lives and safety of all South Africans and in defending the rule of law,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
