BREAKTHROUGH IN REIGER PARK AMBUSH: STOLEN R5 RIFLES RECOVERED AS SUSPECT DETAINED

GERMISTON, GAUTENG — Investigators have recovered two state-issued R5 rifles allegedly stolen from slain Anti-Gang Unit officers following a deadly ambush in Reiger Park, Boksburg.

The firearms were recovered during an intelligence-driven operation in the KwaDukathole informal settlement near Germiston on Monday morning. A known local gang member was also taken into custody for questioning as investigators continue working to identify everyone allegedly involved in the attack.

Deadly Reiger Park Shooting:

The investigation follows a deadly shooting in Reiger Park on Friday, 7 August 2026.

Two women, 36-year-old Roleen Lessing and 27-year-old Jaydin Magerman, were fatally shot while travelling in a red Volkswagen Polo. Anti-Gang Unit Constables Thapelo Tlomatsane, 29, and Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, responded to the scene.

The two officers were subsequently attacked and killed. Their service-issued R5 rifles were allegedly taken from them before the attackers fled. The incident triggered a major law-enforcement response, with several specialised units joining the investigation.

Multi-Agency Operation

The operation involved members of several law-enforcement structures, including:

- DPCI Serious Organised Crime Investigation - Gauteng Crime Intelligence Tactical and Special Operations - Provincial Tracking Team - Tactical Response Team - Anti-Gang Unit - PRASA Protection Services

Investigators followed intelligence leads to KwaDukathole, where officers conducted an operation that resulted in the recovery of the two missing rifles.

Known Gang Member Detained:

A person described by investigators as a known local gangster was also taken into custody for questioning.

According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the individual was allegedly out on bail and has several pending cases. These reportedly include two murder charges, two attempted-murder charges and a charge relating to the unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Authorities have stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that the detention of one person does not mean the investigation is over. Police leadership has indicated that investigators believe more than one person may have been involved in the killings and that the search for additional suspects continues.

Political Leadership Visits Reiger Park:

The killings have prompted intervention from senior political and police leadership. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Acting SAPS National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane visited Reiger Park following the attack.

Officials met with affected families and community representatives amid heightened concerns over organised crime and gang violence in the area. Authorities have pledged to mobilise additional resources to target criminal networks operating in the region.

Investigation Continues:

The recovery of the two R5 rifles represents a significant development in the investigation, but several questions remain unanswered.

Forensic investigators are expected to examine the recovered firearms as part of efforts to establish whether they were used in other criminal incidents. Investigators are also continuing to pursue additional suspects and establish the circumstances surrounding the ambush.

Members of the public with information that could assist the investigation are being urged to approach law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing, and all suspects remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.