SAPS Commissioner Calls Police Killings an Attack on the State

• Condemnation of Police Killings by National Police Commissioner: Commissioner Fannie Masemola strongly denounced the recent murders of SAPS members, emphasizing that such acts threaten the rule of law and the stability of the state.
• Details of the Recent Police Attacks and Victims: Two officers, Warrant Officer Sintwa and Sergeant Masenye, were killed while transporting an awaiting trial prisoner, who escaped during the attack; a total of six officers have been killed since April 2025.
• Ongoing Investigation and Public Assistance: A Hawks-led investigation supported by crime intelligence is underway, with a R150 000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the escaped prisoner Jabulani Moyo and suspects involved in another police killing.

National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has condemned the recent killings of South African Police Service (SAPS) members, warning they are a direct attack on the rule of law and the state.

Masemola visited the families of Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa, 51, and Sergeant Simon Masenye, 45, both from the Johannesburg Trio Task Team, who were shot dead on Friday while transporting awaiting trial prisoner Jabulani Moyo from court in Roodepoort. Moyo escaped during the ambush and remains at large.

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The Commissioner confirmed that three SAPS members were killed in the last 24 hours, with 27 killed in the previous financial year and six more since April 2025. He urged officers to stay alert, use proportional force when necessary, and always be a step ahead of criminals.

A Hawks-led investigation is under way, supported by crime intelligence and a multidisciplinary team. Police are appealing to the public for information on Moyo’s whereabouts, offering a R150 000 reward. He is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

Another R150 000 reward is being offered for suspects involved in the killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, 47, who was shot while responding to a business burglary in Schoemansdal.

Masemola saluted officers for their service and urged them to continue their work with courage.

“Do not let your guard down. Continue where your colleagues left off; we cannot afford to lose you,” he said.