TWO ARRESTED, POLICE RIFLE AND 9MM RECOVERED AFTER IVORY PARK COP KILLINGS

Two (2) suspects have been arrested and two stolen police guns recovered following the brutal murder of two Ivory Park police officers on Friday night.

SAPS has confirmed that the suspects — both Mozambican nationals — were apprehended during intelligence-driven operations in Tembisa and Mamelodi East. A state-issued R5 rifle and a 9mm pistol were found in their possession.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe says the weapons have been positively identified as belonging to Sergeant Rapetsoa and Constable Montja, who were gunned down in Ivory Park Extension 9.

“The firearms have been positively identified as those belonging to the two officers who were killed in Ivory Park,” Mathe confirmed.
She added that National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has praised the rapid response that led to the weapon recovery.

The Attack

Just after 19:30 on Friday night, three gunmen approached the officers’ patrol van outside a busy strip of taverns and spaza shops.
• One officer was shot inside the police van.
• The other was killed inside a nearby spaza shop.

The attackers took their cellphones, pistols, and the R5 rifle before fleeing the scene.

The Investigation

A joint team from Crime Intelligence, the Hawks (DPCI), and the Sedibeng Tactical Response Team tracked the suspects across Gauteng.
The two men arrested so far are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, with additional charges expected.

Police are still searching for:
• More suspects
• The second missing 9mm police pistol

Brigadier Mathe said: “We will not rest until the suspects are found.”

Police Leadership Responds

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni visited the murder scene on Friday night, meeting with devastated officers. He also conveyed condolences to the grieving families of the fallen members.

Call for Information

Anyone with information can contact:
📞 Crime Stop: 08600 10111
📱 MySAPS App (anonymous tip-offs)

All information will remain confidential.