Police officer 'fatally shoots' estranged wife as community take matters into their own hands

A police officer has allegedly fatally shot his wife, a fellow police sergeant, sparking outrage as the enraged community sets him ablaze in a violent act of vigilante justice.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba reported that Hlanganani police in Mopani District responded to two horrific murders on August 9 at around 3 pm, at Nkuna Kraal Mall in Nkuzana village, where a police sergeant reportedly fatally shot his estranged wife in the presence of their 6-year-old child.

“According to the reports, the female victim (Sergeant) was out with two adults and her six-year-old child when her husband, with whom they had been separated for around seven months, approached her.”

Ledwaba added that a heated argument reportedly erupted between the couple, after which the husband allegedly grabbed a service firearm and shot the victim in the upper body. As he tried to flee, the enraged community, which witnessed the attack, assaulted him and set him on fire next to his car.

“When he attempted to run to the vehicle to flee the scene, the community who observed the entire incident chased and assaulted him, setting him alight next to his vehicle. The vehicle was, as a result, burnt beyond recognition,” he said.

Police were notified of the incident, and murder cases have been opened.

Ledwaba said the deceased male was identified as a sergeant attached to Thohoyandou K9, while the deceased female was a Sergeant assigned to the Beit Bridge port of entry.

Provincial Commissioner of Police Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe urged community members to resolve domestic disputes peacefully by seeking professional help rather than resorting to violence.

“The SAPS has in place Employee Health and Wellness programmes that are offered free of charge. We call upon members of SAPS to make use of these services that are at their disposal.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the suspects to contact Detective Sergeant Stanley Chauke at 072 554 3141, the nearest police station, the toll-free number 08600 10111, or to submit information through the MySAPSApp.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za