Families of the four people killed in a shooting in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, on 7 August 2026 are demanding answers as three suspects face bail proceedings in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court. The shooting, at about 19:00, claimed the lives of two women — Rolene Lessing and Jaydin Margerman — and two SAPS Anti-Gang Unit constables, Thapelo Tlomatsana and Sphiwe Sibeko, as reported by SABC News.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the officers were responding to gunshots during a crime-prevention operation when they were ambushed. A second suspect was arrested following community tip-offs, Mathe confirmed, with SABC News reporting on 21 August 2026 that a third suspect was expected to appear in court.
Three men — Regan Cheslin Collis, Jamal Meyer, and Elvino Levert Crafford — appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on 25 August 2026 for bail-related proceedings, as first reported by TimesLive. African News Agency reported that the state’s case includes CCTV footage, an alleged confession, and recovered police rifles, though these evidentiary claims have not been independently verified by CapeFlats.co.za.
Sharney Blackway, cousin of Rolene Lessing, told SABC News the family cannot understand why she was killed.
As far as I am concerned, and as far as I know, they were innocent in this case. We don’t understand why and that is the frustrating part. It’s frustrating because Rolene left behind her six-year-old son.
Collette Landsberg, mother of Jaydin Margerman, questioned the motive behind her daughter’s death.
What did she really do? And we don’t come from a gangsterism background. So, what could be your motive? So, yes I am angry.
Debbie Boards, aunt of Jaydin Margerman, told African News Agency the community was exhausted by ongoing violence.
We are really tired as a community, as families, we are really, really tired of this. So all that we as residents of Reiger Park want is just to have some justice. And I think the court should just take their time.
The deaths of two on-duty officers and two civilians in a single shooting highlight the dangers faced by police units conducting crime-prevention operations in areas affected by gang violence across South Africa. Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza said the city would mobilise all available resources to tackle drugs and gangsterism, speaking at a media briefing reported by SABC News on 12 August 2026.
The exact sequence of the shooting and the role of each accused remain under investigation, and the allegation of gang involvement has not been independently confirmed by multiple sources. CapeFlats.co.za will provide updates when the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court rules on the bail application.