Tebogo Msimanga |
A 36-year-old Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer was shot dead whilst in pursuit of suspects in Joubert Park, Johannesburg.
On Friday evening 29 July 2022, JMPD Operations officers assigned to the Buya Mthetho block patrol Undercover Unit were working on information received of suspects involved in multiple robberies in the Johannesburg Inner City.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said whilst conducting foot patrols in Joubert Park, officers spotted five suspicious males coming out of a shop at Claim Street. Officers followed the males as they turned right into Wolmarans Street. “Officers continued to follow the males and as they turned into Wolmarans Street the males started shooting at the officers and they returned fire in retaliation”.
Fihla said officer Vongani Desmond Hlungwane was shot multiple times sustaining injuries to the head, chest and leg. Emergency Services were called to the scene and officer Hlungwane was rushed to Garden City Hospital. “Unfortunately, officer Hlungwane succumbed to his injuries and he was declared deceased at the hospital”.
JMPD Acting Chief of Police Thulani Khanyile has condemned this senseless killing of officer Hlungwan.” The department will do all it can in ensuring that the suspects are brought to book”.
