Manhunt launched after Joburg metro police officer killed in Vlakfontein shooting
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer Matome Mokoena (33) from Region G Operations was fatally shot while pursuing a robbery suspect.
Rising Sun reports the incident occurred yesterday evening.
According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, Mokoena and his colleague were responding to a reported robbery in Vlakfontein during their patrol and had received a description of the suspects' vehicle: A white Volkswagen Polo.
The officers located the vehicle and initiated a stop. While the driver initially failed to comply, they managed to bring the vehicle to a halt. As Mokoena approached the driver's side of the suspects' vehicle, which contained five occupants, he was shot from within.
Both officers immediately took cover. Tragically, the suspects pursued Mokoena to a nearby residence, where he was fatally shot. The suspects then stole the officer's official JMPD firearm and the marked JMPD patrol vehicle, which was idling at the scene.
The stolen patrol vehicle was subsequently disabled by JMPD Fleet Services and later found abandoned in Lehae.
Superintendent Fihla told the Lenasia Rising Sun that they also received information regarding the fatal shooting of a member of the public in the same area.
JMPD chief of police Commissioner Patrick Jaca commented: 'This is a dark day for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the entire city. The brutal murder of Officer Mokoena is an attack on all law-abiding citizens. We will not rest until those responsible for this cowardly act are found and face the full might of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Mokoena's family, and we will ensure that his sacrifice is not in vain.'
A full-scale investigation has been launched in conjunction with the SAPS to ensure the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.
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