JOBURG Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer fatally shot while pursuing robbery suspects in Vlakfontein, south of Joburg.

The officer was fatally shot after stopping a suspect vehicle in Vlakfontein on the evening of Wednesday, 14 May.

The officer, identified as 33-year-old Matome Mokoena from the Region G Operations, was tragically gunned down while in pursuit of a reported robbery.

Officer Mokoena was allegedly shot nine times.

JMPD spokesman Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the incident occurred while Mokoena and his partner were on patrol. They responded to a robbery report and had received a lookout for a white Volkswagen Polo.

He said the officers located the vehicle and attempted to stop it. Although the driver initially resisted, they eventually succeeded in bringing the car to a halt.

“As officer Mokoena approached the driver’s side of the suspected stolen vehicle, which had five occupants, he was met with gunfire from inside,” said Fihla.

“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 at the scene.”

He said the stolen patrol vehicle was later disabled by JMPD Fleet Services and eventually found abandoned at Lehae.

Authorities also received reports of another fatal shooting in the same area involving a civilian.

“Preliminary observations suggest this tragic incident may be linked to the same individuals involved in the attack on our officer.”

Reflecting on Mokoena’s service, Fihla described him as a dedicated officer who served the Joburg community with commitment.

“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.”

JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, expressed deep sorrow over the killing.

“This is a dark day for the JMPD and the entire city.

“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 Mokoena’s family, and we will ensure his sacrifice is not in vain,” he said.

The JMPD has condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and launched a full-scale investigation.

The department is working closely with the South African Police Service to track down and bring perpetrators to book.