Mozambican Suspects Bust After Stolen SAPS Guns Found In Ivory Park Murder Probe

Two Mozambican nationals have been arrested after police recovered firearms stolen from two officers who were shot dead in Ivory Park, Johannesburg, last week.

South African Police Service (SAPS) national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said an intelligence-driven operation led to the discovery of an SAPS-issued 9mm pistol and an R5 rifle.

Both weapons were positively identified as those taken from Sergeant Rapetsoa and Constable Montja before they were killed on Friday evening.

Intelligence Operation Tracks Down Mozambican Suspects And Stolen Firearms

In the wake of the murders, SAPS mobilised specialised units — including Crime Intelligence, the Sedibeng Tactical Response Team and the Hawks — to track down the suspects and the missing firearms.

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The investigation led officers to Tembisa and Mamelodi East, where they recovered the pistol, the rifle and several rounds of ammunition. Police confirmed that the two arrested suspects will face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Mathe said the search for additional suspects — and for a second missing 9mm pistol — remains ongoing.

National Commissioner Hails Swift Police Work

SAPS national commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, welcomed the breakthrough and praised the teams involved for quickly tracing the stolen weapons and edging closer to identifying the police killers.

On Saturday, SAPS said Masemola had instructed Gauteng provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni to mobilise maximum resources to hunt down the criminals responsible for the double murder.

The two officers, both attached to Ivory Park police station, had been conducting crime-prevention duties when they were ambushed and fatally shot. Their attackers fled with two SAPS pistols, an SAPS rifle and two mobile phones.

Masemola highlighted the ongoing danger faced by law enforcement. “Between 1 April to 30 September 2025, the SAPS sadly lost six police officers who were killed in the line of duty.

“We are doing everything possible as management to ensure members are always operationally ready… by providing them with resources and ensuring they attend refresher courses and regular maintenance shooting exercises,” he said.

He added: “To all our law enforcement officers out there, don’t die with the resources that we have given you. Always be vigilant and act decisively when your life or the lives of the communities we serve are under threat.”

Police have urged anyone with information to contact 08600 10111 or Ivory Park station commander Brigadier Ngcobo on 076 411 2314.

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