[UPDATE]
The South African Police Service(SAPS) has confirmed that a police officer and a security guard were fatally shot in Thembisa, today, 1 February.
“The policeman, a warrant officer, was in the company of the security guard and a woman while travelling in a police vehicle when they were attacked at the corner of R562 and M57 in Elandsfontein near Thembisa,” said SAPS in a statement.
According to SAPS, a group of at least five men, travelling in sports utility vehicle (SUV) and armed with rifles, opened fire on the state vehicle killing the policeman and the guard instantly.
The motive for the attack is unknown at this stage.
The police in Gauteng have mobilised the 72-Hour Activation Plan. “We appeal to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to please contact the SAPS Crime Stop number 086 00 10111 or tip-offs may be provided via MySAPSApp. All information will be treated with strictest confidence and callers may remain anonymous.”
A police officer was killed in Midrand earlier today (1 February), however, details surrounding the incident are still unclear.
Reports on social media indicated that there had been a shootout between police officers and the suspects. Police spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said that he can confirm that an officer was killed in the incident although he cannot comment further as the investigation into the nature of the incident is still ongoing.
If you are going into Tembisa from the R21 or going to R21 from Tembisa avoid Olifantsfontein off/on ramp. There was a shoot out, gruesome crime scene, 2 SAPS member gunned down as a result road closed and looks like it will be for a while. @ewnreporter @EWNTraffic
— Sifiso Sibuyane (@sifsib77) February 1, 2020
This is a developing story, more details will be published as they become available.
Did you witness the event? Share your account with Midrand Reporter’s editor on laurap@caxton.co.za
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