BOKSBURG, GAUTENG | 25 AUGUST 2026 — Three men accused of involvement in the deadly Reiger Park mass shooting that claimed the lives of two South African Police Service Anti-Gang Unit officers and two women are back in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for formal bail proceedings.

The accused, Regan Cheslin Collis, 23, Jamal Meyer, 24, and Elvino Levert Crafford, 27, are appearing together as the State prepares to oppose their release on bail.

The case has attracted widespread attention following the killing of four people in Reiger Park, Ekurhuleni, on 7 August 2026.

The victims were identified as SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members *Constable Thapelo Tlomatsane, 29, and Constable Sphiwe Sibeko, 28, as well as *Jaydin Magerman, 27, and Roleen Lessing, 31.

Officers allegedly attacked while responding to gunfire

According to the State’s allegations, the two Anti-Gang Unit officers were responding to reports of gunfire in Reiger Park when they came under attack and were fatally shot.

Prosecutors further allege that another person was targeted during the incident and that the two slain officers were robbed of their service rifles.

The allegations have resulted in a substantial list of charges against the accused.

The three face four counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances and charges relating to the unlawful possession of firearms. The State is pursuing the matter against the accused on the basis of alleged common purpose.

The allegations against the men have not yet been tested at trial, and they remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Three arrests as Hawks investigation intensifies

Collis was the first of the three accused to be arrested and appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on 12 August.

Meyer was subsequently arrested during a multidisciplinary operation involving the Hawks, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and Flying Squad, working with members of the Reiger Park community.

The investigation later resulted in the arrest of Crafford, bringing the number of accused before the court to three.

The Hawks said Crafford was traced to Ekurhuleni during an intelligence-driven operation. His arrest followed an ongoing investigation into the 7 August killings.

Crafford made his first appearance on 21 August before his case was postponed to Tuesday so that he could join his co-accused for the formal bail proceedings.

The Hawks have indicated that the investigation remains active and have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.

Accused raise allegations of police assault

The case has also taken another turn after allegations emerged that the accused were assaulted following their arrests.

During Crafford’s previous court appearance, he showed the court injuries which he alleged were caused by police officers during his arrest.

His defence attorney told the court that Crafford complained of pain and injuries and requested medical attention. The court ordered that he receive medical treatment.

Meyer previously made similar allegations after his arrest, with his legal representative telling the court that he had suffered injuries and was experiencing chest pain.

Collis has also alleged that he was assaulted, according to reports from previous proceedings.

The allegations against police have not been established as fact.

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale previously said investigators would await medical assessments and J88 reports. The matter could be referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate depending on the findings.

State to oppose bail

Tuesday’s proceedings place the focus firmly on whether the three accused should remain behind bars while the criminal case continues.

The State has indicated that it intends to oppose bail for all three men.

The court will have to consider the evidence and submissions presented during the bail proceedings before determining whether any of the accused should be released pending trial.

The seriousness of the charges, the circumstances surrounding the killings and the State’s case are expected to feature prominently during the proceedings.

Killing of officers sends shockwaves through policing community

The deaths of Constables Tlomatsane and Sibeko have placed renewed attention on the dangers faced by police officers confronting violent crime.

The two Anti-Gang Unit officers were allegedly responding to gunfire when they were attacked.

Tlomatsane was laid to rest in Limpopo on 16 August, while Sibeko was buried a day earlier on 15 August.

Their deaths prompted a major law-enforcement response, with specialised units joining the investigation and manhunt for those believed to have been involved.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane previously praised residents of Reiger Park for assisting investigators with information that contributed to the investigation and arrests.

Reiger Park case remains under investigation

Although three accused are now before court, authorities have stressed that the investigation has not concluded.

The Hawks have said investigators remain on the ground and that additional suspects could still be arrested as evidence is gathered.

The case is being closely watched because of the scale of the attack, the killing of serving police officers and the broader concern surrounding violent crime and gang activity in Reiger Park.

For the families of the four victims, the court proceedings mark another stage in a case that is likely to continue through the criminal justice system for some time.

Collis, Meyer and Crafford remain accused at this stage. The charges against them are allegations which the State will ultimately have to prove beyond reasonable doubt should the matter proceed to trial.

MDNtv is following proceedings at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court and will provide further updates as the bail applications unfold.

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