An off-duty police officer has been arrested following the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man outside a tavern in Bakenberg, Limpopo.
The incident occurred around 2am on Monday, reportedly following a heated altercation between the officer and the victim while they were driving. According to police, the confrontation escalated once they reached the tavern.
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Authorities say the victim was shot in the right cheek. He was transported to a local hospital by the same officer involved in the shooting, but was later pronounced dead upon arrival.
The officer, who is attached to OR Tambo International Airport, has had his service weapon confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation. The motive behind the incident remains unclear.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has been notified and is now handling the case. The officer is currently in custody at Tinmyne police station and is expected to appear in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on murder charges.
Limpopo’s acting provincial police commissioner has called for a thorough investigation into the matter.