Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has condemned the killing of two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and two civilians in a shooting in Reiger Park, Boksburg, describing the attack on police as a ‘declaration of war’ against the state and the people of Gauteng.
The two officers, who were members of the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit, were on duty in the area when they were ambushed on Friday evening, according to the Gauteng provincial government.
Two civilians were also killed in the incident, while others were injured.
Lesufi, accompanied by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, visited the scene following the shooting and called for those responsible to be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
“An attack on our police is a declaration of war against the state and against the people of Gauteng,” Lesufi said.
“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.”
Mthombeni has activated Crime Intelligence, the Tracking Team, Crime Scene Management and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) to assist with the investigation and track down the perpetrators.
Lesufi said the deaths of the police officers were particularly disturbing because they had been serving on the frontline against some of the province’s most dangerous criminal elements.
He also expressed concern that the latest shooting had occurred in Reiger Park, which he said he had previously visited following another mass shooting.
“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,” Lesufi said.
“This cannot continue. Reiger Park must not become synonymous with mass shootings and the loss of innocent lives.”
The premier welcomed the mobilisation of specialised law-enforcement resources and called for an intensive investigation into the attack.
“We are going to find these killers. We are going to arrest them, and they must face the full might of the law,” he said.
“There will be no hiding place for those who believe they can kill our police officers and innocent residents with impunity.”
The provincial government said SAPS had mobilised specialised resources to track down those responsible.
Lesufi also appealed to residents in Reiger Park and surrounding communities to assist investigators with information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
“Someone knows who did this. Someone knows where the killers are,” he said.
“We appeal to that person to come forward. Protecting criminals only puts more innocent lives at risk.”
He urged communities to support law-enforcement agencies in their efforts to tackle violent crime.
The Gauteng Provincial Government said it would continue working with SAPS, municipalities, community structures and other law-enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore safety in communities affected by violent crime.
Lesufi conveyed his condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the four people who died and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
