Gauteng, South Africa |Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with the murders of two South African Police Service Anti-Gang Unit officers and two civilians in Reiger Park, a case that has become one of Gauteng’s most closely watched murder investigations. Authorities say information supplied by community members played a key role in the latest breakthrough.
The latest arrest comes as detectives continue investigating the fatal shooting that claimed the lives of Constable Thapelo Tlomatsane, Constable Sphiwe Sibeko, Jaydin Magerman (27) and Rolene Lessing (31) in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni.
According to investigators, the violence unfolded on 7 August 2026 when police were called to reports of a shooting in the area. Preliminary information indicates that Magerman and Lessing were shot during the incident before Anti-Gang Unit members Tlomatsane and Sibeko responded to the scene. The two officers were allegedly attacked and fatally shot while carrying out their duties. A third civilian was reportedly injured during the violence. Authorities are still working to establish the full sequence of events that led to the deaths.
The murder of two serving Anti-Gang Unit members sent shockwaves through law enforcement circles and communities across Gauteng. The Anti-Gang Unit has been heavily involved in operations targeting gang violence, illegal firearms, drug trafficking and organised crime in areas including Reiger Park, Westbury, Eldorado Park and other crime hotspots. Police have previously identified gang-related activity as a major concern in the area.
The first accused to appear in court in connection with the case is Regan Cheslyn Collins (23). He faces four counts of murder and remains before the courts as the investigation continues. Prosecutors have indicated that the case remains active and that additional arrests were possible as detectives pursued further leads.
Police have now confirmed the arrest of a second suspect after receiving information from members of the Reiger Park community. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed the identity of the newly arrested suspect, but investigators believe the arrest could assist them in establishing the events surrounding the killings and identifying any other individuals who may have been involved.
Senior police officials have repeatedly praised residents who have come forward with information, stating that community co-operation has been instrumental in advancing the investigation. Similar community-assisted investigations in Reiger Park have previously helped the Anti-Gang Unit trace suspects linked to violent crimes in the area.
The case has also renewed attention on persistent gang-related violence in parts of Ekurhuleni. Reiger Park has experienced recurring incidents involving illegal firearms, gang activity and violent crime, prompting repeated deployments of specialised police units. In recent months, law enforcement agencies have conducted high-visibility operations, roadblocks and intelligence-driven raids in an effort to stabilise the area and remove illegal weapons from the streets.
Family members, colleagues and community leaders have paid tribute to the slain officers and civilian victims, while calling for swift justice. The deaths of Tlomatsane and Sibeko have been described by police officials as a direct attack on law enforcement and community safety.
As the investigation progresses, detectives continue analysing forensic evidence, witness statements, cellphone records and intelligence information gathered since the shooting. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.
The second suspect is expected to appear in court in the coming days, where the charges against him will be formally presented. Prosecutors are expected to oppose bail as the State continues building its case.
The murders remain under active investigation, and police have again appealed to anyone with information to come forward.
