Police in Mpumalanga have opened a case of murder and an inquest following a tragic incident in Grootvlei on Saturday, where a 53-year-old police officer allegedly shot and killed his 39-year-old female friend before turning the gun on himself.
According to Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the officer, a Police Captain stationed at Bethal Police Station, reportedly went to the home of the woman, where she was with her sister.
“It is alleged that after they refused to open the door, the Captain broke a window to gain entry into the house. He then chased the sister away, leaving him alone with the victim. The sister went to seek help and alerted the police,” said Masondo.
Upon arrival, police found both the officer and the woman lying on the floor with gunshot wounds. They were declared dead at the scene. The officer’s service pistol was recovered at the scene.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed sadness over the incident and extended condolences to both families.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.