| 2024/09/03 |
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Media Statement
NELSPRUIT – A police Sergeant (39) is expected to appear at Emalahleni Court today, 03 September 2024 after a disturbing incident in which he allegedly shot and killed his wife, Elsie Mothali (37). The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the incident that occurred in Witbank in the early hours of Sunday morning, 01 September 2024 at about 03:30. According to information, the victim was shot several times whilst driving and the vehicle then crashed into a fence, then got stuck in a trench. Thereafter, the police Sergeant, who cannot be currently named pending his court appearance, handed himself to the Police in Witbank and also handed a firearm believed to have been used in the commission of crime. The weapon is suspected to be a state issued firearm and ballistic testing will be conducted as part of the probe. The suspect was then arrested and the case docket was handed to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further handling. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage though Domestic Violence cannot be ruled out but this will form part of the investigation. Preliminary investigation suggests that the couple were somehow having some domestic related challenges. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi indicated that, apart from the criminal case, an internal investigation has been instituted against the police Sergeant. “When members are issued with firearms, they should always bear in mind that such firearms are solemnly used to fight crime and defend themselves when their lives, or those around them, are in danger. Such reports like this one draws us back in our fight against Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide. Members should seek professional help whenever they come across challenges in their families. The SAPS has put in place, Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Component to assist members with their challenges, and their services are free of charge,” said the General.
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