Family, colleagues mourn two Anti‑Gang Unit officers killed in Reiger Park

Relatives, colleagues and community members gathered on Wednesday in Westdene to honour two Anti‑Gang Unit officers who were fatally shot while on patrol in Reiger Park last week. The service at the Assemblies of Christ Lighthouse Community Church remembered Constables Thapelo Tlomatsana and Simphiwe Sibeko for their dedication to protecting the community.

Tributes at the memorial

A sombre mood filled the church as mourners paid tribute to the two officers. The memorial was attended by Deputy Police Minister Dr Polly Boshielo, Gauteng Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner Major‑General Fred Kekana and other law enforcement officials, as well as community members supporting the families.

Heartbroken relatives struggled to hold back their tears while those delivering tributes fought through emotions to say a final goodbye. Police officers sang during the service as family and colleagues commemorated the lives of the slain officers.

Family memories: a young man who wanted to serve

Speaking on behalf of the Sibeko family, Simphiwe’s aunt described a close bond with him and thanked those who had offered support.

“On behalf of the entire family, I would like to appreciate each and every individual who has come to stand with us during this difficult time. Your presence, your prayers, your messages, your visits, your support has carried us in a way that words cannot fully express,”

she said.

She recalled asking Sibeko what he wanted to be when he grew up and quoted him:

“I want to be a policeman.”

She said he had told her his reason was:

“For me to remove and block all the criminals in all our streets and communities.”

The aunt described Sibeko as purposeful and driven, saying he acted with clear intention, was determined and focused on serving those in need.

The shooting and the accused

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the officers were part of a crime prevention team conducting patrols when they heard gunshots.

“After hearing gunshots, they drove towards the source of the shots, where they were allegedly ambushed,”

she said. The two officers and two civilian women were fatally shot in Reiger Park last Friday.

Twenty‑three‑year‑old Reagan Cheslin Collis appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and faces four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, and charges of possessing unlicensed firearms and ammunition. His case was postponed to August 25 for a formal bail application.

Police operation and arrests

Collis was arrested after a multidisciplinary tracing operation that led to the recovery of two R5 rifles at the KwaDukathole informal settlement in Germiston over the weekend. The operation was led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit with support from Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations, the Provincial Tracking Team, Tactical Response Team, Anti‑Gang Unit and PRASA.

What remains

The memorial in Westdene brought together family, police and community members to remember the officers’ service and to support the grieving families as legal proceedings continue in the case.