A manhunt has been launched after a trial awaiting prisoner shot and killed two police detectives in Roodepoort, Gauteng, on Friday, August 8.  

The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has deployed maximum resources to trace Jabulani Moyo. 

Moyo killed the detectives as they were transporting him from court. 

A multidisciplinary team consisting of crime intelligence operatives, detectives, as well as the Gauteng DPC tracking teams and the HAWKS, are on the ground actively searching for Moyo.

Masemola calls on all residents in South Africa not to harbour this dangerous criminal, who is in possession of a state firearm. 

The same firearm was stolen from one of the officers, which he used to kill the two detectives. 

“Moyo must be stopped in his tracks, and he can only be prevented from committing further crimes if the community cooperates with the police by providing us with information on his whereabouts. Moyo is a dangerous criminal, and our operatives are on the ground looking for him to prevent him from committing any more heinous crimes. We will not rest until we find him, and we are also warning him to hand himself over to his nearest police station,” Masemola said. 

Masemola said an attack on the police is an attack on the State. 

“We will not rest until Jabulani Moyo is behind bars. We urge the public to come forward with information on the whereabouts of Jabulani Moyo immediately. No detail is too small, and your assistance could be critical in ensuring that justice is served. To the men and women in blue: we stand with you. We mourn with you. And we will continue to support you as you carry out your vital work on behalf of our nation,” Masemola said. 

Acting Police Minister, Professor Firoz Cachalia, condemned the murder and vowed to bring Moyo to justice. 

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen detectives. Their sacrifice in the line of duty is a stark reminder of the daily dangers faced by our police officers as they work to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all South Africans. We owe them — and every officer who puts on the blue uniform — a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot fully express,” Cachalia said. 

Anyone who may have information on this case, including the whereabouts of Moyo, is urged to call Warrant Officer Rabosiwana from the HAWKS at 072 844 4442.

The murder of the two detectives comes as the South African Police Service (SAPS) prepares to honour 72 police officers who died in the line of duty in the last financial year. 

The SAPS Commemoration Day is an annual event that takes place on the first Sunday of September each year. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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