Latest news with #JohannesburgMetroPoliceDepartment
IOL News
15-05-2025
- IOL News
'A dark day for the JMPD' : Joburg metro cop killed in line of duty during robbery shootout
JMPD officer was shot and killed in line of duty while responding to a robbery. A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery in Vlakfontein, in the south of Johannesburg, on Wednesday. Officer Matome Mokoena, 33, who served in Region G Operations, was described as a dedicated officer committed to his work. According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, Mokoena and two colleagues were patrolling the area when they responded to a robbery report and received a description of the suspect vehicle - a white Volkswagen Polo. 'The officers successfully located the vehicle and initiated a stop,' said Fihla. While the driver initially failed to comply, the officers eventually brought the vehicle to a halt. 'As Officer Mokoena approached the driver's side of the suspect vehicle, which had five occupants, he was met with gunfire from within,' said Fihla. The officers took cover, but the suspects pursued Mokoena to a nearby residence, where he was fatally shot. The suspects then stole Mokoena's official JMPD firearm and the marked patrol vehicle, which had been idling at the scene. The vehicle was later disabled remotely by the metro police's Fleet Services and found abandoned in Lehae. Fihla said authorities also received information about the fatal shooting of a member of the public in the same area. 'Preliminary observations suggest that this tragic incident may be linked to the same individuals involved in the attack on our officer.' Tributes poured in for Mokoena. 'His untimely passing is a profound loss to our department and the community,' said Fihla. 'We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Mokoena's family, friends and colleagues.' JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said the murder was an attack on all law-abiding citizens. 'This is a dark day for the JMPD and the entire city. We will not rest until those responsible for this cowardly act are brought to justice.' The JMPD condemned the killing as a 'senseless act of violence'. A full-scale investigation has been launched. 'We are working tirelessly with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended swiftly and brought to justice,' Fihla said. [email protected] IOL News
The South African
14-05-2025
- The South African
JMPD cracks the whip on delivery bike drivers
Following a surge in delivery bikes operating unlawfully, obstructing traffic, and engaging in reckless driving behaviours, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) has intensified its operations in the Rosebank area to address these concerns. These efforts are part of a broader citywide initiative to ensure traffic safety, compliance with municipal bylaws, and the protection of pedestrians and motorists. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said recent observations highlight a sharp increase in delivery bikes operating unlawfully, often obstructing traffic and pavements, parking illegally, and engaging in reckless driving behaviours such as speeding, weaving, and ignoring traffic signals. In addition, many riders lack valid driver's licenses, vehicle license discs, and, for foreign nationals, proper immigration documentation such as passports and permits authorising commercial operations in South Africa. Fihla said these practices pose significant safety risks, impede pedestrian movement, especially for persons with disabilities, and contribute to traffic congestion. The lack of proper documentation also raises concerns about accountability and regulatory oversight of these delivery services. 'In response, the JMPD has conducted targeted operations under the leadership of Director Angie Mokasi. To date, 15 motorbikes have been impounded for violations including obstruction and lack of licensing. Additionally, one individual was arrested for dealing in dagga, and ten others for contravention of the Immigration Act. 'Prior to enforcement, the JMPD Community Outreach Unit engaged with delivery operators through awareness campaigns emphasizing the importance of legal compliance, responsible driving, and proper documentation. Despite these efforts, persistent violations necessitated stricter enforcement measures,' Fihla explained. Fihla said verifying the validity of driver's licenses for all operators, inspecting vehicle license discs for compliance, confirming passports and permits for foreign national riders and enforcing parking regulations to prevent illegal parking and impounding vehicles when necessary are some of their key focus areas. 'The JMPD urges all delivery bike operators to operate within the law, ensure their documentation is valid, and adopt safe driving practices. We also call on the companies and delivery platforms to ensure their riders comply with all relevant legislation and prioritize road safety. 'These operations aim not to disrupt legitimate businesses but to promote a safe, legal, and respectful environment for all residents and visitors of Johannesburg. The JMPD remains committed to monitoring and addressing violations to maintain order and safety across the city,' he added. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
JMPD officer shot on duty turned away from Milpark Hospital due to City of Joburg's R35 million debt
A JMPD officer critically injured in the line of duty was refused emergency treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital, allegedly due to the City of Johannesburg's unpaid R35 million debt, A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer who was shot while on duty was turned away for emergency treatment at Netcare Milpark Hospital because the City of Joburg allegedly owes the hospital R35 million. This is according to Public Safety Committee Chairperson Sarah Wissler. She said the officer was refused medical attention and transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he waited for hours before receiving care. 'Last night, one of our JMPD officers was shot while on duty. When taken to Netcare Milpark Hospital, he was denied emergency care because the City of Joburg owes the hospital R35 million,' Wissler said in a statement on Thursday. The officer, now in critical condition, was moved to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he received delayed treatment and is currently in the intensive care unit. 'As chairperson of the Public Safety Committee, I am appalled. Our officers put their lives on the line for us daily. They deserve immediate care, not bureaucracy and delays,' Wissler said. She said she had escalated the matter to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) and called for the outstanding debt to be urgently settled. 'I am also calling for a full investigation into all outstanding liabilities that affect emergency services. We cannot let another officer or resident suffer because of the City's failure to pay its suppliers. Enough is enough.'
