A manhunt is under way in Lenasia after a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer was disarmed while carrying out official duties on Thursday.
The suspects reportedly managed to seize the officer’s service firearm before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the officer was conducting official duties in the area when the incident occurred.
“During the encounter, the suspects managed to disarm the officer before fleeing the scene in a getaway vehicle toward the Golden Highway,” said Fihla.
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Police have launched a full-scale manhunt following an incident in Lenasia JHB in which an on-duty JMPD officer was disarmed of his service firearm. pic.twitter.com/TSxod9JCWX
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 3, 2026
JMPD Officer Receives Support After Disarming
The JMPD said the officer was not seriously injured during the confrontation.
Medical and wellness support services have been activated to assist the officer following the incident.
The metro police department condemned the attack and said assaults on law enforcement officers pose a threat to public safety.
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“An attack on an officer represents a direct threat to the safety of our communities,” added Fihla.
Dedicated JMPD units, together with other law enforcement agencies, have launched an investigation to recover the stolen service firearm and identify and arrest those responsible.
Public Asked To Help Identify Suspects
Authorities have appealed to anyone who may have information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.
Information can be provided anonymously through the City of Johannesburg Emergency Number on 011 375 5911 or the SAPS Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
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No arrests had been reported at the time of publication.
Investigations into the incident are continuing
