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Two police officers ambushed, shot dead at Boksburg crime scene, Ekurhuleni
Two police officers responding to a crime scene were disarmed and shot dead in Boksburg, Gauteng on Thursday evening, 13 October 2022. According to police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, the officers were waiting for a mortuary van at the crime scene when they were shot after responding to a complaint of an "unnatural death". Three men disarmed the officers, stole their service pistols and bulletproof vests and fled on foot, Mathe added.
She said the officers were stationed at the Boksburg North Police Station. One of the officers, Vusimuzi Batsha, was a 45-year-old sergeant with 18 years' experience. The other was Khotso Malahlela, a 29-year-old constable with three years of service. Gauteng EMS’ deputy director for communications, JP von Beneke, said, “Last night whilst one of our response units where busy with unnatural cause declaration in the Boksburg area in the presence of three SAPS members they came under attack .Our crew managed to flee the scene on foot and requested back up as the SAPS members were the target, it seemed. Once backup and ambulances arrived, it was found that two of the officers succumbed to their injuries.” Sergeant Mlindiseni Ngobese from the Boksburg North Police station speaks of the moment that unfolded after the killing. “I had just spoken to Batsha and they said they were still waiting for an ambulance. I told him to call the mortuary van as well so they can get there around the same time. While we were eating, we got a call from the community saying the police were being shot, at the same address Batsha and Malahlela were. We got there and saw sergeant Batsha and Malahlela lying there, lifeless. It was so painful.” National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, said communities needed to work together to stop police murders. "The killing of police officers in the line of duty and for their service pistols undermines the authority of the state and the proper functioning of the criminal justice system. While we review our police safety strategy and plan, as management, we are calling for greater cooperation with our citizens to put an end to such incidents collectively. We believe that such incidents can be prevented." "We will not rest until we find those behind the attack and killing of police officers. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the two members", General Masemola said. Mathe called on anyone with information on the incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or provide information on the My SAPS App. She said the information would be treated with confidentiality. Sources: EWN, SABC News, Gauteng EMS’ deputy director for communications, JP von Beneke |
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