Mpumalanga police are investigating a suspected murder/suicide after a police officer allegedly shot and killed his female friend, before turning the gun on himself in Grootvlei.
(Sharon Seretlo/Gallo Images)
- A 53-year-old police captain from Bethal police station allegedly shot and killed his 39-year-old female friend in Grootvlei, Mpumalanga, before taking his own life.
- The incident occurred after the captain forcibly entered the woman’s home, chased her sister out, and was later found dead alongside the victim.
- The Mpumalanga police commissioner urged officers in need of help to seek support through employee health and wellness services.
Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after a police officer, 53, allegedly shot and killed his 39-year-old female friend, before turning the gun on himself in Grootvlei, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
According to police, the officer, a captain attached to the Bethal police station, went to the friend’s house where her sister was also present, and tried to enter.
After being refused entry, the captain broke the window and entered the house.
“It is said that he further chased the sister out and was left with the female friend,” said police spokesperson, Colonel Mavela Masondo.
“The sister went to seek help, and police were alerted.”
On arrival, Masondo said police found both the captain and the woman lying on the floor, with gunshot wounds.
READ | Mpumalanga man accused of killing wife, son, injuring 4 in alleged domestic violence attack
They were both declared dead on the scene.
“A service pistol that was issued to the captain was found at the scene,” Masondo added.
Acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said the incident saddened him.
He sent his condolences to the families of both the deceased.
The general called on police officers to use employee health and wellness services whenever they face work- or family-related challenges.
Noxolo Sibiya
www.news24.com
