It is with profound sadness that, this morning, I have learnt of the loss of another JMPD officer to senseless crime. My deepest condolences go to the families, friends and colleagues of our fallen colleague.
In the early hours of this morning, Officer Ayanda Zulu was leaving her home in Soweto when she was confronted by two suspects. She was shot twice during the incident and the suspects fled with her 9mm firearm and two magazines.
Working together with the SAPS, the JMPD are leaving no stone unturned to ensure we find these criminals.
The sad passing of our colleagues is a personal loss to me as well, as I am responsible for this government and its thousands of employees.
I have stated before that I firmly believe in fairness, justice and most importantly, upholding the rule of law. Yet, there is no fairness when a senseless crime is committed and an innocent person – be they a resident or public servant – dies as a result of crime.
In light of this, Public Safety MMC Cllr Michael Sun, is calling for a specialised task team to be formed between the Johannesburg and Tshwane Metro Police Departments as well as the South African Police Service. This task team will be responsible for investigating the murders of our metro police officers.
“I wish to extend my sincere condolences to the families of this fallen officer and I will ensure that as the Department of Public Safety, we do all in our power to find and hold the culprit(s) to account” says MMC Sun.
Today’s loss of one of our own is another strong reminder that we cannot stand idly by and do nothing as criminals terrorise our communities.
Wish this in mind, Chief of JMPD, David Tembe, carries an enormous task on his shoulders and we will ensure that we support him in his earnest pursuit of restoring law and order to our streets. Through the City Manager’s Office, our Police Chief has been instructed to work closely with SAPS to ensure that tragedies such as these are investigated and the culprits tried with the full might of the law.
We will not rest until these criminals are found.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
Media enquiries:
Tanya Heydenrych
Media Specialist: Office of the Mayor
081 4171 871
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
