Gauteng police have launched a large-scale manhunt following the fatal shooting of two SAPS officers during a routine patrol in Ivory Park on Friday evening.
A Sergeant and a Constable were ambushed by unknown suspects who opened fire on the officers before fleeing the scene with their service rifles and cellphones.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has condemned the attack and directed Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni to mobilise maximum resources to track down the perpetrators. A specialised task team of detectives has been deployed to lead the investigation.
“The killing of police officers while performing their duties is an attack on the State and the safety of all South Africans,” Masemola said in a statement.
The incident brings to six the number of SAPS members killed in the line of duty in Gauteng since April this year.
Police have urged anyone with information on the suspects or the stolen firearms to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or report anonymously via the MySAPS app.