-Staff Writer/29, Sat November 2025
A manhunt is underway in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, in Gauteng after two police officers were shot dead and disarmed by gun-wielding suspects while on duty on Friday evening.
According to South African Police Service (SAPS) National spokesperson, Athelenda Mathe a Sergeant and a Constable from the Ivory Park police station were conducting crime prevention patrols in Extension 9 when they were ambushed and fatally shot by unknown suspects.
The assailants fled with two SAPS pistols, a rifle and two cellphones taken from the slain officers.
Mathe said the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has since instructed the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
She said Mthombeni visited the crime scene shortly after the attack and has since assembled a team of seasoned detectives and specialised units to pursue the suspects and recover the stolen firearms.
Masemola condemned the killings, saying continued attacks on police undermine the authority of the state and threaten national security.
“Between 01 April and 30 September 2025, the SAPS sadly lost six police officers killed in the line of duty,” he said.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure our members are operationally ready by providing resources, refresher courses and regular maintenance shooting exercises. To all law-enforcement officers out there — don’t die with the resources we have given you. Always be vigilant and act decisively when your life or the lives of the communities we serve are under threat.”
SAPS is urging anyone with information about the incident or the suspects’ whereabouts to contact the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111 or reach Ivory Park station commander Brigadier Ngcobo at 076 411 2314.
News Junction (Gold Standard)