Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) says it is shocked and outraged by what it says is the brutal killing of two detectives who were transporting an awaiting trial prisoner in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg.

The accused, Jabulani Moyo, allegedly shot and killed the two officers and was seen driving off in the officer’s unmarked vehicle, which was later found abandoned a few kilometres from the crime scene.

The police officials were also disarmed of their firearms. A manhunt is currently underway for Moyo.

Popcru’s Richard Mamabolo says the killing of police officers on duty underscores the risks officers face daily and highlights the urgent need for stronger measures to protect them.

“We call for the SAPS management to urgently review the operational protocols for prisoner transport to ensure that suspects are properly restrained and that officers are provided with adequate backup, particularly in high-risk cases. Popcru will be engaging with the affected stations to provide support to colleagues and the bereaved families whilst continuing to advocate for improved safety measures to all police officials.”

#PoliceMinistry The Ministry of Police is deeply saddened following the tragic news of the murder of two dedicated members of the South African Police Service, who were shot and killed while transporting a suspect from court yesterday morning in Roodepoort, Gauteng.

The officers… pic.twitter.com/pnwl1lNK5W

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 9, 2025

VIDEO | Two policemen shot and killed, prisoner escapes: