Police officer shoots two of his colleagues, takes his own life

A Police Sergeant shot a former Police Officer and then fatally wounded a female officer before taking his own life at Southern Gateway, Polokwane on Sunday.

According to preliminary reports, the police responded to a shooting incident at about 13:30. Upon arrival, the police found a male victim with a gunshot wound to his head and a female officer with multiple gunshot wounds.

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Both victims were certified dead at the scene. The investigation further indicates that another male victim, a former police officer residing within the same vicinity as the senior officer, was initially shot and rushed to the hospital to receive medical attention.

The reports suggest that the Police Sergeant went to the former Police Officer’s residence, where an altercation ensued. He then opened fire on him and rushed back to the female senior officer. She tried to escape using her car.

Unfortunately, the suspect fired several shots at her resulting in her succumbing to the gunshot wounds. The raging Police Sergeant managed to get inside the senior officer’s car and turned the gun on himself. 

A POLICE SERGEANT SHOT AND KILLED HIS COLLEAGUE BEFORE TAKING HIS OWN LIFE IN SOUTHERN GATEWAY

The Police Sergeant was attached to the Provincial Crime Intelligence Unit and the Senior Officer was the Head of the Provincial Registrar. The motive for the incident is not yet known.

Commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe accompanied by Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major General Samuel Manala, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(DPCI) as well as the the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) visited the scene.

“We condemn this heinous act of violence in the strongest possible terms,” she said.

“Such actions are regrettable and in direct contravention of the values and principles of SAPS. The loss of members within the service is a severe blow to our communities and the SAPS family at large,” said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.

“We are providing all the necessary support to the affected families of the victims during these challenging times. Lastly, we urge the public to respect the privacy of the families involved. To refrain from speculating on the details of the case until all facts are established,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

Police say they will continue with its integrated approach to address police safety through community awareness. Mobilisation as well as interdepartmental cooperation.