Constable Mokgophe Rankoe and a colleague, also a 36-year-old Constable from Dobsonville Police Station were attending to a houserobbery in progress at around midnight on Sunday night in Braamfischer when they came under fire by the alleged robbers.
Constable Rankoe was killed and the colleague was overpowered before both members’ firearms and cellular phones were stolen from them.
An integrated team initially arrested one suspect within hours of the incident.
The team did not stop there, they continued with the search for other suspects and intelligence led them to a house in Xuma Street at Emdeni, Soweto where the suspects were hiding.
A shootout ensued between the suspects and the SAPS team which resulted in two SAPS members being wounded, one on his finger and the other to his cheek. Two suspects were killed during the shootout.
Two firearms were recovered, one of which was stolen after Constable Rankoe’s murder.
“The response to the attack on Constable Rankoe and a fellow constable must be welcomed by all sectors of society as we work tirelessly to curb attacks on our police men and women”, said General Sitole.
“The successful mobilization of the 72-hour Activation Plan in this case is a true reflection of the effectiveness of this plan”, added General Sitole.
A case of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm & ammunition and Inquest in addition to the murder and attempted murder cases of Sunday night are being investigated.
The continuing attack on our police officers is evident following yet another attack of a police officer last night in Wagenesdrift, Cullinan where a Captain was attacked and without warning, he was shot at through a window of his house while he was seated in his lounge.
The Captain responded by shooting back but he was wounded multiple times. The suspects fled without taking anything. The Captain was taken to a local hospital where he is in a serious condition.
We appeal to anyone with information on the crime to please contact our toll-free Crime Stop number 086 00 10111. Callers may remain anonymous and all calls will be treated with strictest confidence.
