Police have launched an urgent manhunt after two detectives were shot and killed while transporting a suspect in Roodepoort on Friday morning, 8 August 2025.
The officers, a sergeant and a warrant officer attached to the Trio Task Team, had been escorting 33-year-old Jabulani Moyo back to prison after his appearance at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.
Moyo was facing charges related to a February 2023 business robbery.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 10.30am in the Roodepoort CBD. The detectives were intercepted, shot at, and disarmed. It is revealed that the sergeant died on the scene, while the warrant officer was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Shortly after the shooting, Moyo was spotted driving the officers’ marked police vehicle, which was later found abandoned a few kilometres away. Investigators are still working to determine whether Moyo acted alone or with accomplices.
“At this stage, the information is still sketchy,” Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said. “We can confirm that two of our officers were shot and killed while transporting a suspect. Their firearms were taken, and the suspect was seen fleeing in their police vehicle before abandoning it. We have opened two counts of murder, and a full investigation is underway.”
An eyewitness, speaking under the condition of anonymity for safety reasons, told the Saturday Star they saw the attack unfold.
“I saw a man shoot one policeman and then turn the gun on the other, firing multiple times,” the witness said. “It looked like there was another man involved who helped flee with the police van. Both policemen were lying on the ground.”
“Detective Warrant Officer Sintwa was shot while inside the state vehicle. He was rushed to Milpark Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. In the midst of the attack, the second member, Sergeant Masenya, attempted to flee but was caught in the crossfire and also fatally wounded on the scene. Video footage shows the suspect fleeing the scene by driving off in the SAPS vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered abandoned at Onslow Street, Horizon, Roodepoort. A search of the crime scene led to the recovery of three cartridges. Disturbingly, both members were found without their service firearms or cellphones,” police reveal.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be reported to the nearest police station or by calling Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated confidentially.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star