By Levy Masiteng
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed the arrest of a 24-year-old man in Reiger Park in connection with the murders of two Anti-Gang Unit officers and two women, as police intensify their investigation into the deadly shooting that shocked the Ekurhuleni community.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday afternoon following an intensive tracing operation by a multidisciplinary team comprising the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and Flying Squad.
The arrest brings to two the number of suspects in custody in connection with the four murders.
“This arrest is not only a victory for SAPS; it is also a demonstration of the power of a community that refuses to be silenced by criminals,” said Acting National Commissioner of Police Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane.
“We commend the people of Reiger Park who stood up, spoke up and shared information with the police. Your courage and willingness to work with law enforcement has made a difference.”
The latest arrest follows a week of intensive investigations after two Anti-Gang Unit officers, Constables Thapelo Tlomatsane, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, were killed in Reiger Park on 7 August.
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The officers were conducting patrols when they heard gunshots and moved towards the source of the shooting.
According to earlier police reports, the officers were allegedly ambushed when they arrived at the scene. Two civilian women were also killed in the shooting.
The incident prompted a major police manhunt, with specialised units deployed to trace those responsible.
The first suspect, 23-year-old Reagan Collis, was arrested earlier in the investigation and subsequently appeared before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court.
He faces four counts of murder and remains in custody, with his formal bail application scheduled for 25 August.
Collis was initially taken in for questioning. Police also recovered two SAPS rifles at KwaDukathole Informal Settlement in Germiston during the investigation.
At the time, investigators said the person taken in for questioning was a known gangster who was out on bail in connection with several other serious cases.
The latest development strengthens the investigation as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the respective roles of those allegedly involved.
“When communities speak up, they give police the information we need to move investigations forward,” Dimpane said.
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“We therefore urge the people of Reiger Park to continue standing with the police and to continue providing information that can help us identify and arrest those who commit violent crimes.”
The killings have renewed attention on the long-running challenge of gang violence in Reiger Park.
Residents have previously raised concerns about violent crime and gangsterism, calling for stronger policing and sustained interventions to restore safety.
The latest tragedy has also prompted calls for stronger intelligence-led policing and action against organised criminal networks in the area.
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Police called for urgent and decisive action following the killing of the two Anti-Gang Unit members, while highlighting the need to dismantle gang networks in Reiger Park and other crime-affected communities.
The deaths of the two officers have also been followed by emotional farewells.
Sibeko was laid to rest on Saturday, while Tlomatsane was buried in Limpopo on Sunday.
Their deaths have underscored the risks faced by police officers working in communities affected by violent crime.
“We want the people of Reiger Park to know that we hear you,” Dimpane said. “We appreciate those who have chosen to stand up and speak up. Your information matters, and your courage strengthens our investigations.”
The 24-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court this week, where he is expected to face charges relating to the four murders.
