Outrage as police union condemns brutal killing of Johannesburg officer and civilian

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has strongly condemned the recent senseless and brutal killing of a Johannesburg Metro Police Department  (JMPD) officer and a civilian in Vlakfontein, south of Johannesburg.

This comes as the accused, identified as Tshiamo Lefakae and Bongani Mphye, both 18, Buhle Mahlangu, 19, and Tisetso Sikhakhane, 25, appeared briefly in the Lenasia Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The matter was postponed to May 28 for a formal bail application.

In a statement on Wednesday, the union called for the harshest possible punishment for those involved and urged the government to classify attacks on law enforcement officers as treason.

Popcru president Thulani Ngwenya also expressed his outrage over the killing, noting that Mokoena, who was ambushed while responding to a robbery complaint, had his service pistol and patrol vehicle stolen — an act that undermines both the safety of police officers and the rule of law.

"As an organisation, we strongly condemn the ruthless, senseless killing of any police officials in our country. Whether it is metro police, police, traffic officers, or corrections officials, all these members are part of law enforcement, including the JMPD.

"This senseless and cowardly attack has robbed law enforcement of an individual widely praised by his colleagues for his work ethic and dedication. Even beyond another horrific and violent crime against a citizen of our country, this incident represents yet another assault on our constitutional democracy and the rule of law by increasingly brazen criminals," Ngwenya stated.

The accused are facing charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and other charges after they killed Mokoena and Ntuthuko Mathe, a civilian, on May 14.

At the time, Mokoena and a colleague were responding to a robbery when they were attacked after stopping a vehicle that matched the suspects' description. As Mokoena and his colleague approached the vehicle on the driver's side, it is reported that they were subsequently shot at.

Ngwenya has slammed the brazen manner in which the accused attacked law enforcement officials, stating: "When criminals flagrantly target our officers, steal service weapons, and hijack police vehicles, they are committing acts that demonstrate a blatant lack of respect for the law or members of law enforcement. These types of acts should clearly be considered treason."

With police acting swiftly to bring the accused to book, Ngwenya commended them for apprehending the suspects following a 72-hour manhunt.

Reports indicate that two suspects were initially arrested last week, and the additional suspects were later apprehended in Dobsonville, Soweto, where law enforcement agencies recovered two firearms during the arrests. One of the pistols was confirmed to be Mokoena's service weapon, while the other had its serial number filed off.

"The swift arrests demonstrate what our law enforcement agencies can achieve through collaboration and the support of effective crime intelligence. It has sent a clear message that anyone who dares to target traffic officers will face the full might of the law," he added.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za