Traffic warden shot dead inside his vehicle in Turffontein, South Africa

2 October 2026

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has expressed profound sadness, severe outrage and grave concern over a disturbing series of violent attacks targeting its officers, traffic wardens and security personnel.

In the latest incident, on Thursday 1 October 2026, JMPD Traffic Warden Reagan Joseph was shot and fatally wounded while sitting in his private vehicle, a white Volkswagen Citi Golf, in Turffontein. Two children were in the car at the time. One sustained a gunshot wound to the head; the condition of the second child is still being assessed. Warden Joseph was declared dead at the scene. Emergency services responded and a full investigation is under way.

This was the third violent attack on JMPD personnel in a single week, and all three officials were off duty when they were targeted:

On Saturday 26 September 2026, 34-year-old JMPD Security Officer Kwanele Buthelezi was abducted during a carjacking in Lenasia South and later found murdered in Finetown, Grasmere.
On Sunday 27 September 2026, another JMPD officer was hijacked and shot in Finetown, Grasmere. He remains in hospital.

The JMPD strongly condemned the “senseless acts of violence” against dedicated personnel who serve and protect the residents of Johannesburg, describing the attacks as a direct assault on the rule of law and community safety.

The department extended its deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of Traffic Warden Reagan Joseph and Security Officer Kwanele Buthelezi, and said its thoughts and prayers were with the hospitalised officer and the injured child for a full and speedy recovery.

JMPD appealed to anyone with information about the crimes to come forward. Working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the department vowed to spare no effort in ensuring the perpetrators are apprehended and face the full might of the law.