Roodepoort – A massive manhunt is underway after two Gauteng police officers were shot and killed while transporting a prisoner from the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Friday morning.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the officers, both members of the specialised Trio Task Team, were ambushed at around 10:30 on Albertina Sisulu Road in Roodepoort. The team investigates serious crimes including house robberies, business robberies, and hijackings.
During the attack, the prisoner, identified as Zimbabwean national Jabulani Thabang Moyo, managed to escape. Moyo had been in court facing charges linked to a February 2023 business robbery.
According to Masondo, the suspects opened fire on the officers and disarmed them before fleeing.
“The sergeant was certified dead on the scene while the warrant officer was rushed to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival,” said Masondo.
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Moyo was reportedly seen driving away in the unmarked police vehicle used to transport him. The vehicle was later found abandoned a few kilometres from the ambush site.
Police have since opened two cases of murder and launched an intensive search for Moyo and possible accomplices.
“We appeal to anyone who might have witnessed the incident or knows Moyo’s whereabouts to contact the police. You cannot rule out the possibility that there were other suspects involved,” Masondo added.
Authorities have warned the public not to approach Moyo, who is considered dangerous, and to report any sightings immediately to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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