A 36-year-old Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) officer was killed during a shootout with suspects in the Johannesburg CBD on Friday evening.
JMPD officer Vongani Desmond Hlungwane was on patrol with other undercover officers when they received a tip-off about an alleged robbery which was taking place.
Xolani Fihla, the JMPD spokesperson said a murder inquest docket following the murder of a JMPD officer who died during shootout with suspects.
“On Friday evening 29 July 2022, JMPD Operations officer 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.
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.”
Flihla said Hlungwani was shot multiple times, sustaining injuries on the head, chest and leg. “Emergency Services were called in to the scene and officer Hlungwani was rushed to Garden City Hospital. Unfortunately, officer Hlungwani succumbed to his injuries, and he was declared deceased at the hospital,” Fihla added.
JMPD Acting Chief of Police Thulani Khanyile and the entire department are deeply saddened by the passing of officer Hlungwani and pass their deepest condolences to the friends and family of the officer.
Filhla added that Chief Khanyile condemned the senseless killing ensured that the department will use all its resources to ensure that the suspects are brought to book.
Source: News24, The South African, Jacaranda FM, image from Twitter