JMPD officer fatally shot whilst in pursuit of robbery suspect in Vlakfontein

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) is deeply saddened and outraged to confirm the fatal shooting of one of our dedicated officers, Officer Matome Mokoena from Region G Operations.

The tragic incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, 14 May, while 33-year-old Officer Mokoena and his colleague were on patrol in the Region. The officers were responding to a reported robbery in Vlakfontein and had received a description of the suspect vehicle, a white Volkswagen Polo. The officers successfully located the vehicle and initiated a stop. While the driver initially failed to comply, the officers were able to bring the vehicle to a halt. As Officer Mokoena approached the driver’s side of the suspect vehicle, which contained five occupants, he was met with gunfire from within.

Both officers immediately took cover. Tragically, the suspects pursued Officer Mokoena to a nearby residence where he was fatally shot. Following this heinous act, the suspects stole Officer Mokoena’s official JMPD firearm and the marked JMPD patrol vehicle, which was idling at the scene.The stolen patrol vehicle was subsequently disabled by JMPD’s Fleet Services and was later found abandoned in Lehea.

JMPD have also received information regarding the fatal shooting of a member of the public in the same vicinity. Preliminary observations suggest that this tragic incident may be linked to the same individuals involved in the attack on our officer.

Officer Matome Mokoena was a committed member of the JMPD, dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Johannesburg. His untimely passing is a profound loss to our department and the community. We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Mokoena’s family, friends and colleagues during this challenging time.

“This is a dark day for the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and the entire city,” said JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca.

“The brutal murder of Officer Mokoena is an attack on all law-abiding citizens. We will not rest until those responsible for this cowardly act are found and face the full might of the law. Our thoughts and prayers are with Officer Mokoena’s family, and we will ensure that his sacrifice is not in vain,” added Jaca.

The JMPD condemns this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms. We have launched a full-scale investigation into this matter. We are working tirelessly with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended swiftly and brought to justice.

Issued by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Communication Unit, Superintendent Xolani Fihla