Media Room

On-duty officers shot dead by multiple attackers at the Verref Substation

Two security officers stationed at the Verref Substation in Vereeniging were shot dead by copper cable thieves on Friday night (14 May 2021).

The murders took place two days after the guards from security company, Wenzile Phaphama were brutally assaulted by cable thieves at the same facility.

Security officers Mqhadi Mokoena, Elias Motaung and another guard came under attack after multiple gunmen opened fire on their patrol vehicle outside the substation.

Mqhadi and Elias succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while one colleague survived the shooting after managing to flee. 

The assailants fled with one of the firearms taken from the deceased officers at the scene.

The Executive Mayor, Councillor Gift Moerane has visited the families to convey deepest condolences to the families of the deceased on behalf of the municipality.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this senseless attack which claimed the lives of two of our security officers. We send our heartfelt condolences to the Mokoena and Motaung families. We condemn in the strongest terms the continued attack, theft and sabotage of municipal infrastructure. This incident comes a few weeks after cable thieves stole a 6-kilometer cable feeding electricity to the Rietspruit Wastewater Works,” said Mayor Moerane.

Police investigations into the murders are underway and residents who may have information on the incident are hereby advised to contact their nearest police stations.

ENDS

Issued by: 

Makhosonke Sangweni  

Acting Manager: Communications, Marketing, Branding and Event Management 

Tel: 016 950 6574

Mobile: 071 350 1475

Email: makho@emfuleni.gov.za