'A dark day for the JMPD' : Joburg metro cop killed in line of duty during robbery shootout

A Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer was shot and killed while responding to an armed robbery in Vlakfontein, in the south of Johannesburg, on Wednesday.

Officer Matome Mokoena, 33, who served in Region G Operations, was described as a dedicated officer committed to his work.

According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, Mokoena and two colleagues were patrolling the area when they responded to a robbery report and received a description of the suspect vehicle - a white Volkswagen Polo.

“The officers successfully located the vehicle and initiated a stop,” said Fihla.

While the driver initially failed to comply, the officers eventually brought the vehicle to a halt.

“As Officer Mokoena approached the driver’s side of the suspect vehicle, which had five occupants, he was met with gunfire from within,” said Fihla.

The officers took cover, but the suspects pursued Mokoena to a nearby residence, where he was fatally shot.

The suspects then stole Mokoena’s official JMPD firearm and the marked patrol vehicle, which had been idling at the scene. The vehicle was later disabled remotely by the metro police’s Fleet Services and found abandoned in Lehae.

Fihla said authorities also received information about the fatal shooting of a member of the public in the same area.

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

Tributes poured in for Mokoena.

“His untimely passing is a profound loss to our department and the community,” said Fihla. “We extend our deepest condolences to Officer Mokoena’s family, friends and colleagues.”

JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said the murder was an attack on all law-abiding citizens.

“This is a dark day for the JMPD and the entire city. We will not rest until those responsible for this cowardly act are brought to justice.”

The JMPD condemned the killing as a “senseless act of violence”.

A full-scale investigation has been launched. “We are working tirelessly with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended swiftly and brought to justice,” Fihla said.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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