Known gangster taken in for questioning after Reiger Park ambush that killed two Anti‑Gang Unit officers

A known gangster has been taken in for questioning in Germiston after the fatal ambush in Reiger Park that killed two Anti‑Gang Unit officers and two civilian women, and investigators recovered two SAPS rifles at an informal settlement.

Breakthrough in weekend investigation

The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks confirmed in a joint statement on Monday, August 10, that a person of interest was taken in for questioning in Germiston. Two rifles belonging to the SAPS were recovered at KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston in connection with the killings.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said a multidisciplinary team had worked throughout the weekend and made a breakthrough on Monday. The team included the DPCI’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation, PRASA, Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team and the Anti‑Gang Unit, Mogale said.

Person of interest described by police

According to Mogale, “A person of interest has been taken in for questioning and two rifles belonging to the SAPS were recovered at KwaDukathole Informal settlement in Germiston.” She said the person taken in for questioning was a known gangster who was out on bail with several outstanding cases before court, including two for murder, two for attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms.

Details of the Reiger Park attack

The incident in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, occurred on Friday evening when two Anti‑Gang Unit officers and two civilian women were fatally shot. The slain officers have been identified as Constable Thapelo Tlomatsana, 29, and Constable Sphiwe Sibeko, 28.

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the officers were part of a crime prevention team conducting patrols in the area and, after hearing gunshots, drove towards the source of the shots where they were allegedly ambushed. The officers were fatally shot at about 7.30pm on Friday.

Police appeal to the community

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant‑General Puleng Dimpane appealed to the Reiger Park community to help investigators. She said that while specialised investigative units had been mobilised, community assistance was crucial.

“We know that someone saw what happened. Someone knows who pulled the trigger, who planned this attack or where the suspects are hiding. We are pleading with the community not to protect ruthless criminals who have no regard for human life. Your silence only emboldens those who continue to terrorise your community,” said Dimpane.

Dimpane urged residents to share any information, saying: “If you know something, say something. Help us ensure that those responsible are arrested and face the full might of the law.”

Ongoing investigation

Mogale said the investigation into the killings remained ongoing and that police were continuing to pursue all those involved. She added that more arrests had not been ruled out.

Regarding the recovered rifles, Mogale quoted the Acting National Head, Lieutenant‑General Sphesihle Nkosi, as conveying condolences to the slain members’ families and saying the arrest and recovery of the R5 rifles demonstrated that SAPS will relentlessly pursue those who target police officers and communities.