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

The Gauteng Provincial Government strongly condemns the horrific killing of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and two civilians during a shooting incident in Reiger Park, Boksburg, on Friday evening.

The two police officers, members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, were on duty in the area when they were ambushed. The incident also claimed the lives of two civilians, while others were injured. SAPS has mobilised specialised resources to track down those responsible.Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, together with the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, visited the scene in Reiger Park following the attack.

Premier Lesufi expressed his deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four people who lost their lives and wished those injured a speedy recovery.“An attack on our police is a declaration of war against the state and against the people of Gauteng. 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,” said Premier Lesufi.

The Premier said the killing of police officers in the line of duty was particularly disturbing because they had dedicated their lives to protecting communities and confronting some of the province’s most dangerous criminal elements.

Premier Lesufi said the latest incident was particularly painful because he had previously visited Reiger Park following another mass shooting in the area.“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. This cannot continue. Reiger Park must not become synonymous with mass shootings and the loss of innocent lives,” he said.

The Premier welcomed the immediate mobilisation of law-enforcement resources by Commissioner Mthombeni and called for an intensive investigation to ensure that every person involved in the attack is identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

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

Premier Lesufi said the provincial government would stand firmly behind the SAPS and all law-enforcement agencies as they confront organised and violent crime.“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 of Reiger Park and surrounding communities to assist investigators with information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetrators.“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,” Premier Lesufi said.

The Gauteng Provincial Government reiterates its commitment to working with SAPS, municipalities, community structures and other law-enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore safety and stability in communities affected by violent crime.