Off-duty EMPD officer gunned down outside KwaThema spaza shop

Off-duty EMPD officer gunned down outside KwaThema spaza shop! An off-duty Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officer was shot and killed in front of a spaza shop in KwaThema on Friday morning.

Details Remain Unclear

According to the EMPD, details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, but reports indicate that two armed suspects ambushed the officer at around 8 a.m.

“The officer was attacked by two unknown assailants in front of a spaza shop. After shooting him, the suspects fled with his private firearm,” an EMPD spokesperson confirmed.

This tragic killing comes just days after another EMPD traffic warden was murdered in a separate attack in Tembisa.

A Second EMPD Officer Killed in a Week

The murder of the off-duty officer in KwaThema marks the second killing of an EMPD officer in less than two weeks.

On January 29, unknown gunmen shot and killed an EMPD traffic warden in Esangweni, Tembisa.

Reports suggest that two suspects approached the officer and opened fire, before escaping the scene in a white Toyota Avanza.

Manhunt for Suspects Leads to Arrests

Following the murder in Tembisa, law enforcement launched an intensive manhunt and, within 72 hours, tracked the suspects to:

• Alexandra Hostel
• Roosevelt Avenue

On January 31, police successfully recovered the getaway vehicle used in the crime and arrested two suspects.

The suspects have since been charged with murder and robbery.

City of Ekurhuleni Condemns Attacks on Officers

City of Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Alderman Sizakele Masuku, strongly condemned the ongoing attacks on law enforcement officers.

“We strongly condemn these senseless killings of officers. These are men and women who have taken it upon themselves to serve and protect our people and their property, yet they are becoming targets for criminals,” Masuku said on Friday.

She further urged law enforcement agencies to speed up investigations and ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law.

“We sincerely hope that arrests are made swiftly so that those behind these violent crimes can be held accountable,” she added.

No Arrests Yet in Latest KwaThema Shooting

While the Tembisa murder suspects have been arrested, authorities have not yet made any arrests in connection with the KwaThema shooting.

However, the EMPD confirmed that they are following several leads in an effort to track down the suspects responsible.

Memorial Service for Slain Traffic Warden

Meanwhile, a memorial service was held on Wednesday for Lawrence Ngudle, the EMPD traffic warden killed in Tembisa.

The service was attended by:

• MMC Masuku
• EMPD management
• Ekurhuleni Disaster Emergency Management Services (DEMS) officials

During the memorial, Masuku paid tribute to Ngudle’s dedication to his work, acknowledging the risks police officers take daily to protect the community.

“When police officers put on their uniform, they are taking a risk to protect others,” Masuku stated.

The EMPD also expressed gratitude for Ngudle’s service and sacrifice.

“Lawrence was a dedicated officer. Thank you for your service and sacrifice,” the EMPD said.

Growing Concern Over Police Safety

The recent spike in attacks on police officers has sparked concerns about the safety of law enforcement officials in South Africa.

With two EMPD officers murdered within a week, community members and officials are calling for urgent interventions to protect police officers from targeted attacks by criminals.

Authorities continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could help locate the suspects in the KwaThema shooting.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact:

Crime Stop: 08600 10111
MYSAPS App (Anonymous tip submission)

Final Thoughts

The tragic murders of two EMPD officers in a short period highlight the dangers faced by law enforcement officers.

As investigations continue, the public and police officials hope for swift justice in both cases.

With crime rates rising, the need for enhanced security measures to protect law enforcement officers has become more urgent than ever.