Johannesburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an intensified manhunt for Jabulani Thabang Moyo, a Zimbabwean national described as extremely dangerous, following the brutal killing of two police officers in Roodepoort. Authorities have confirmed that a reward of R150,000 is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to his arrest.
The slain officers, a warrant officer and a sergeant attached to the Florida SAPS detective unit, were murdered on Friday, 8 August 2025, while transporting Moyo from court. At the time of the incident, Moyo was a trial-awaiting prisoner. The killings sent shockwaves through the police fraternity and the broader community, reigniting concerns about officer safety and cross-border crime.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that intelligence reports suggest Moyo has fled South Africa and is currently believed to be hiding in Zimbabwe. “The latest intelligence shows he is in Zimbabwe. We will engage our counterparts there and ensure that he is brought back to face charges for the killing of our two police officers,” Masemola said.
SAPS has warned members of the public not to attempt to confront Moyo, stressing that he is armed and dangerous. Police have confirmed that he is believed to be in possession of a state-issued firearm. “This criminal has no regard for human life. Anyone with information must contact police immediately and should not approach him,” SAPS said in a statement.
Moyo is no stranger to dramatic escapes. In November 2025, he evaded arrest for the second time following a violent shootout with police in Cosmo City, north of Johannesburg. Crime intelligence officers had received information about suspects allegedly planning business robberies in the Fairlands and Honeydew areas. Police later spotted vehicles linked to the suspects, including a grey Audi and a white VW Polo.
When officers approached the vehicles, suspects reportedly opened fire, triggering a shootout. One suspect was fatally shot, another arrested, while others fled on foot. An AK-47, a pistol and ammunition were recovered during the operation. Despite the recovery of weapons and arrests, Moyo once again managed to escape.
Residents in Cosmo City described scenes of panic following the gunfire. Many expressed fear that Moyo remains at large, allegedly moving between Johannesburg suburbs with the assistance of criminal networks.
In a separate but equally troubling case, frustration is mounting for the family of Emmanuel Mahamba, a Zimbabwean man who was allegedly run over multiple times in a fatal hit-and-run incident in Sandton in April 2025. The suspect, Ali “Arizona” Mugoya, remains on the run nine months later.
Police have confirmed that Mugoya is a person of interest, with the incident having been captured on video and widely circulated on social media. Lawyer and activist Moreboys Munetsi, who is assisting Mahamba’s family, has criticised the slow pace of the investigation, claiming the suspect’s businesses and phone lines are still active.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about either suspect to come forward, emphasising that community cooperation is critical in bringing dangerous criminals to justice.
