The funeral of Constable Thapelo Tlometsane, a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Gang Unit, took place on Sunday, 16 August 2026, in Gedroogte Village, Zebediela, Limpopo. Tlometsane was killed in an ambush in Reiger Park, Gauteng, on 7 August 2026, alongside his colleague, Constable Siphiwe Sibeko, and two civilian women.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General PP Dimpane officiated the service, marking a sombre end to a week of mourning for the law enforcement community. Sibeko was laid to rest the previous day at a ceremony held at the Springs Civic Centre in Gauteng.
Speaking during the proceedings, Tlometsane’s brother, David Tlometsane, remembered him as a dedicated and disciplined officer. “Thapelo was a quiet man who is always disciplined, if you call him in order, he would do it immediately,” he said. “If you gave him a task or a job to do, he would do it without question. That’s how he was. He did not want to hate someone, he was always smiling.”
The ambush in Reiger Park has intensified concerns regarding the risks faced by specialised police units operating in high-crime areas. SAPS leadership has categorised the attack as a direct assault on the authority of the state, prompting an extensive investigation into the shooters.
“Investigations are ongoing and at an advanced stage,” Lieutenant General Dimpane stated at the service. “Yes, one suspect is behind bars, and we are determined to uncover the truth. This violence is an attack on the state, and those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Police have not yet provided further details regarding the identity of the detained suspect or the progress of the manhunt for remaining accomplices. Updates on the legal proceedings are expected as the investigation continues.