Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD)
By Mpho Moloi
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has arrested an additional suspect linked to the brutal murder of officer Nkululeko Mbambo, who was gunned down earlier this week in Leondale, Ekurhuleni. The arrest took place on Thursday, 17 April 2025, in the Lawley Station Informal Settlement, south of Johannesburg, where authorities also recovered Mbambo’s stolen service pistol and a hijacked vehicle.
A Tragic Loss in Leondale
Officer Nkululeko Mbambo was fatally shot on Monday, 14 April 2025, in Leondale, Ekurhuleni. According to a video obtained by Us Central News, a man approached an unmarked bakkie in a parking lot, fired multiple shots at the occupant, and then fled the scene. The victim was later identified as Mbambo, an off-duty JMPD officer. The shocking incident has left the community reeling and sparked widespread concern about the safety of law enforcement officers in South Africa.
Two-Day Operation Yields Results
Following the murder, the JMPD, working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS), launched a two-day operation to track down those responsible. On Wednesday, 16 April 2025, three suspects were apprehended in Leondale, Ekurhuleni. At the first location, two suspects were arrested, and police seized a significant haul of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, an R5 rifle, and two pistols. At a second site in Leondale, authorities detained the man believed to have pulled the trigger in Mbambo’s killing.
The operation continued into Thursday, 17 April 2025, when the team moved to the Lawley Station Informal Settlement. There, they arrested a fourth suspect—identified as officer Mbambo’s younger brother—bringing the total number of arrests to four. JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the development, stating, “Continuing their operation into Thursday, 17 April 2025, the team proceeded to the Lawley Station Informal Settlement. There, one additional suspect was apprehended, and officer Mbambo’s service firearm was recovered, although its serial number had been filed off.”
Key Evidence Recovered
During the operation, metro police retrieved Mbambo’s stolen service pistol, which had been taken during the attack and had its serial number removed to conceal its origin. In addition, a hijacked Volkswagen Polo Vivo, previously linked to a carjacking case in Westonaria, was found in the suspects’ possession. The recovery of these items, along with other firearms and ammunition with filed-off serial numbers, underscores the dangerous nature of the individuals involved in this crime.
Suspects to Face Justice
All four suspects are expected to appear in court soon, where they will face charges related to the murder of officer Mbambo, possession of unlicensed firearms, and additional offenses tied to the hijacked vehicle. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure justice is served,” Fihla assured the public, highlighting the JMPD’s determination to hold those responsible accountable.
Community Seeks Answers
The senseless killing of officer Mbambo has shaken residents of Leondale and Lawley, amplifying fears about rising violent crime in the region. However, the swift arrests have offered some relief, with community members expressing hope that the crackdown will deter further criminal activity and bolster public safety. The incident follows closely on the heels of another tragedy—the murder of JMPD officer Judith Makwela in Alexandra on 7 March 2025—underscoring the ongoing risks faced by metro police officers.
A Step Towards Justice
The arrest of the additional suspect on Thursday, coupled with the recovery of the stolen pistol and hijacked vehicle, marks a crucial breakthrough in the investigation into Mbambo’s death. The JMPD has vowed to continue its efforts to root out crime and protect both its officers and the communities they serve. As the case moves to the courts, many will be watching closely, hoping for a resolution that honours the memory of a fallen officer.
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