Photo: Pixabay
Free State police officer shoots his girlfriend nine times before shooting himself in mouth
An on-duty Free State police officer allegedly shot his girlfriend nine times on Wednesday before turning his service weapon on himself.
Photo: Pixabay
A Free State police officer allegedly murdered his girlfriend on Wednesday afternoon, 1 December, before shooting himself in the head. The Independent Police Investigation Directorate (IPID) is investigating the matter, which was reportedly carried out with a service firearm while the suspect was on duty.
FREE STATE POLICE OFFICER INVOLVED IN ALLEGED MURDER-SUICIDE
IPID National spokesperson Grace Langa said the police officer, who was stationed at the Buffelshoek Police Station in Free State, shot his girlfriend nine times at approximately 16:35 on Wednesday.
The suspect reportedly arrived at his family home in the Lusaka section, Tumahole while on duty in a state vehicle.
“Upon his arrival, it is alleged his girlfriend also arrived from work. He then gave his brother money to go and pay a Dstv account,” said Langa.
As soon as the suspect’s brother left the house he heard gunfire coming from inside the home. When he headed towards the noise, to check what was happening, the suspect allegedly fired a shot in his direction.
The IPID spokesperson said it is suspected that the shot fired at the brother served as a warning to prevent him from seeing the gruesome scene in the house.
“It is alleged that the suspect then shot himself in the mouth. Both the suspect and the victim died on the scene,” said Langa.
The Free State police officer allegedly shot his girlfriend nine times – she had bullet wounds to the head, stomach, chest and upper right leg. The officer had a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) found 10 spent bullet cartridges at the scene. An autopsy was conducted on Thursday and the deceased’s families were informed.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.
