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 51-year-old Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa and 45-year-old Sergeant Simon Masenye, attached to the Johannesburg Trio Task Team.
The officers were shot dead on Friday while transporting a suspect from court back to prison.
The officers were escorting an awaiting trial prisoner, Jabulani Moyo, when they were ambushed in the Roodepoort town centre. Moyo remains at large, and a massive manhunt is underway.
According to the Commissioner, the SAPS has sadly lost three police officers in the last 24 hours, in the line of duty.
In the last financial year, 27 men and women in blue died in the line of duty, and six police officers have lost their lives to criminal attacks and ambushes, from 1 April 2025 to date.
“These are not just numbers; they were mothers and fathers who have left families behind to fend for themselves. Most of them were breadwinners in their households, but most importantly, they were members who dedicated and laid down their lives in the line of duty by ensuring that all people living in South Africa are safe and protected from callous criminals.“
Masemola said they cannot remain silent, and “it cannot be business as usual when criminals have declared war on the authority of the state.“
“I am making this call again to all police officers in the country, do not die with the tools and resources that we have given you. The men and women in blue must act appropriately when circumstances allow them to act. Remember to always use force that is proportional to the threat.
“I plead with you, do not let your guard down, always be a step ahead of these criminals to ensure the safety and security of the people of this country,” he said.
The Commissioner said the Johannesburg Trio Task Team is a unit that is responsible for investigating house and business robberies as well as car hijackings.
He stated Sintwa had 23 years of service, having joined the organisation in 2002, while Masenye had 17 years, and both were attached to the Johannesburg Trio Task Team.
He told reporters that the probe into how these detectives were shot and killed by Moyo is still ongoing.
“This investigation is being led by the Hawks, and we are relying on the bystanders and witnesses as well as evidence gathered at the filling station where they stopped from the Roodepoort Magistrate Court and where the shootings happened. We are following up on every piece of information that will assist us in solving this case.”
In addition, Masemola said they have established a multidisciplinary team led by crime intelligence operatives who have been on the ground actively searching Moyo.
“A lot of questions have been raised on whether the awaiting trial prisoner was handcuffed. It is standard procedure that all awaiting trial prisoners must be appropriately restrained and placed at the back of a van. On whether Moyo was handcuffed or not and why members were travelling in a sedan, all these questions are under investigation…
“For now, our focus is on finding Moyo. We believe he has the answers we are looking for, and we will not rest until we find him,” he explained.
Police have offered a R150 000 cash reward for anyone who has information on Moyo’s whereabouts, warning that he is dangerous and should not be approached.
“He has no regard for life, and we are warning anyone who has information to come forward and not approach this killer.”
The Commissioner also announced that the SAPS is offering a reward of R150 000 for information leading to the identification of at least 10 suspects involved in the shooting and killing of 47-year-old Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni.
He was fatally shot while responding to a business burglary in Schoemansdal.
He also took the time to salute and thank all police officers out there who risk their lives daily to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
“Let me thank you for being patriotic and for loving the badge and the South African flag. Do not let this deter you. Continue where your colleagues left off; we cannot afford to lose you. Be decisive in your approach. You know what you were taught,” Masemola said. – SAnews.gov.za
