By Thomas Thale
IN a major anti-crime blitz, members of the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) swooped on Orange Farm on Monday night, arresting five suspected cop killers and recovering eight stolen vehicles and four illegal firearms.
The suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of an off duty metro police officer, Ephraim Majola (38), of Protea Glen, who was gunned down at about 5am on Sunday after experiencing mechanical problems and stopping his vehicle in Orange Farm to ask for help. According to the JMPD's director of operations, Derrick Masoek, Majola's car was overheating and he stopped to ask for water when he was attacked by a group of men. His service pistol was stolen.
Monday night's operation started at about 4pm, with some 200 metro police officers pouncing on Orange Farm, a massive shack settlement in the far south of the city. The officers threw a cordon round the township, manning roadblocks, searching vehicles, people and targeted houses.
The operation, which continued until 4am, was carried out jointly by members of the Special Patrol Alfa Unit in their trademark double cabs and officers from the newly established elite Special Patrol Bravo Unit. Members of the South African Police Service's organised crime unit were also on the scene.
Masoek said one of the guns seized has been linked to three murders. "We are investigating the possibility that the suspects may be linked to other serious crimes," Masoek said. Officer Majola's firearm was also recovered in yesterday's operation.
The weapon used in the murder of Majola has, however, not yet been found. One of the suspects was arrested in a dawn raid on Alexandra township, as police followed up on leads.
The suspects, whose ages range from 18 to 24, are expected to appear in court soon to face charges of murder, robbery and possession of illegal firearms. More charges could be laid against the suspects as investigations continue. Masoek said the police are investigating the possibility that the suspects are wanted in connection with other cases. The SAPS vehicle theft unit has been roped in to conduct follow-up investigations into the recovered vehicles.
Citing the recent arrest in Orange Farm of Thabang Khumalo in connection with the killing of a Diepkloof station commander, Masoek said the squatter camp is fast becoming a hideout for wanted criminals. "It appears that wanted criminals find it easy to get refuge in Orange Farm."
Masoek vowed to root out criminals hiding out in Orange Farm. "We will work jointly with the organised crime unit to pursue criminals on the run, especially those sought in connection with the murder of policemen."
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