Gauteng Premier condemns killing of two police officers and civilians in Reiger Park

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the killing of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and two civilians during a shooting in Reiger Park, Boksburg, on Friday evening.

The two police officers, who were members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, were on duty in the area when they were ambushed.

Two civilians were also killed in the incident, while several other people were injured.

SAPS has since mobilised specialised law-enforcement resources to track down those responsible for the attack.

Lesufi, accompanied by Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, visited the scene following the shooting.

The Premier expressed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four people who lost their lives, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

“An attack on our police is a declaration of war against the state and against the people of Gauteng,” Lesufi said.

“We cannot and will not allow criminals to terrorise our communities, murder police officers and innocent civilians and believe that they can escape the consequences of their actions.”

Lesufi said the killing of officers in the line of duty was particularly disturbing as they had dedicated their lives to protecting communities and confronting dangerous criminal elements.

He also expressed concern that the latest shooting occurred in an area he had previously visited following another mass shooting.

“This is the second time I have come to Reiger Park under these circumstances. The first time I came here was after a mass shooting, and now I am back because once again innocent people have been killed,” he said.

“This cannot continue. Reiger Park must not become synonymous with mass shootings and the loss of innocent lives.”

Commissioner Mthombeni has activated Crime Intelligence, the Tracking Team, Crime Scene Management and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to assist with the investigation and hunt for the perpetrators.

Lesufi welcomed the swift mobilisation of law-enforcement resources and called for an intensive investigation to ensure that everyone involved in the attack is identified and brought before the courts.

“We are going to find these killers. We are going to arrest them, and they must face the full might of the law. There will be no hiding place for those who believe they can kill our police officers and innocent residents with impunity,” he said.

The Premier also appealed to residents in Reiger Park and surrounding communities to provide investigators with any information that could assist in identifying and arresting the suspects.

“Someone knows who did this. Someone knows where the killers are. We appeal to that person to come forward. Protecting criminals only puts more innocent lives at risk. Our communities must stand with the police, not with those who terrorise them,” Lesufi said.

The Gauteng Provincial Government said it would continue working with SAPS, municipalities, community structures and other law-enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore safety in communities affected by violent crime.