This evening, I have been notified of the tragic and senseless death of an off-duty JMPD officer at the hands of criminals.
Though details surrounding the attack are yet to be fully determined, it appears that the officer was walking on foot when he was attacked, disarmed of his service weapon and shot.
The shooting occurred between Paul Nel and Claim Streets, in Hillbrow.
Both the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the JMPD have jointly responded to the incident and are chasing down every lead to apprehend those responsible; so far, one suspect has been arrested.
Two community members assisted in the apprehension of the suspect who fled into what is believed to be a bad or hijacked building.
The community members assisted police by pointing out the suspect’s hiding place within the building. Unfortunately, one of the community members was injured in the process by unsafe glass within the building. JMPD is seeing to it that the resident receives medical attention.
My deepest appreciation goes to these two community members who wanted to see the rule of law upheld within our city.
Following arrest, the apprehended suspect claims to be from Mpumalanga and states that he was assisted by a Zimbabwean national in perpetrating the crime. The police are working to verifying the identity of both the suspect in custody and his accomplice.
Our policing authorities are also hot on the heels of the other suspect who is believed to be in possession of the firearm.
This tragic and senseless loss comes after the City and our residents were forced to bid farewell to 3 brave firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
This latest attack on our JMPD officers, is not only an attack on government but an attack on our efforts to return the rule of law in our City. It is an attack on our residents, who are desperate to feel safe in their homes, communities and streets.
We will not let unscrupulous criminals hold us to ransom.
The City is working with law enforcement authorities to ensure that no stone is left unturned in apprehending these criminals.
I plead with any resident who may have information regarding this attack to please come forward.
My heartfelt condolences to go the friends and family of our fallen officer.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media Enquiries:
Wayne Minnaar
Chief Superintendent
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department
Cell: 082 559 3882
Or
Luyanda Mfeka
Director: Mayoral Communications
Office of the Executive Mayor
Cell: 076 171 5978
Email: luyandam@joburg.org.za
