JMPD Officer Shot and Killed in Southern Johannesburg

ZakesMay 15, 2025

2 2 minutes read

JOHANNESBURG – A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer has been shot and killed during a violent encounter with suspected robbers in Vlakfontein, located in the south of Johannesburg. The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the metro policing community and raising fresh concerns about officer safety in crime-ridden areas.

The fallen JMPD officer, identified as Matome Mokoena, was on routine patrol alongside two colleagues when they received an alert regarding an armed robbery in progress. Acting swiftly, the officers proceeded to the reported location in an effort to intercept the suspects and prevent further harm to the public.

Upon arriving at the scene, the JMPD officers encountered the suspects, who were travelling in a vehicle. Without warning, the suspects opened fire. In the ensuing chaos, two of the officers managed to take cover, narrowly escaping injury. Tragically, Officer Mokoena was not as fortunate.

According to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, the suspects chased JMPD Officer Mokoena on foot after the initial gunfire, cornering him at a nearby residence. There, they fatally shot him at close range.

“Following this heinous act, the suspects stole Officer Mokoena’s official JMPD firearm and the marked JMPD patrol vehicle, which was still idling at the scene,” said Fihla during a press briefing.

The brazen attack, which resulted in the theft of both an official firearm and a police vehicle, has sparked outrage among city officials, metro police leadership, and the broader community. Fihla added that the stolen vehicle was later remotely disabled by JMPD fleet services and found abandoned a short distance from the scene of the crime.

JMPD Officer killed, firearm and patrol vehicle stolen in brazen attack in southern Johannesburg

As of Thursday morning, no arrests had been made, and the suspects remain at large. The South African Police Service (SAPS), in conjunction with JMPD, has launched a full-scale manhunt to locate those responsible for the officer’s murder and to recover the stolen weapon.

The death of JMPD Officer Mokoena is being described as a significant loss for the force. Colleagues have described him as a disciplined, committed, and courageous officer who died protecting the community. His untimely death has reignited debate around the dangers faced by metro police officers, particularly those responding to high-risk calls in volatile areas.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers face every day,” said one JMPD official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Officer Mokoena gave his life serving this city, and we will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.”

Calls are growing for enhanced safety protocols, including better tactical support, increased back-up response for robbery-related incidents, and more advanced protective equipment for officers deployed to high-risk zones. Several civil society groups have also echoed the need for broader interventions to address violent crime, which continues to plague many parts of Johannesburg.

Members of the public and community leaders in Vlakfontein have expressed shock and sadness over the incident, with some vowing to support efforts to identify the perpetrators. Authorities have urged residents to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation.

“Someone knows something. We need your help to ensure this kind of senseless violence does not happen again,” said Fihla.

A memorial service for JMPD Officer Mokoena is expected to be held in the coming days. The City of Johannesburg has extended its condolences to the officer’s family, and tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, highlighting the immense sacrifice made by JMPD Officer Mokoena in the line of duty.