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A police officer and three other people died in the early hours of Sunday morning after a shooting incident near Hennenman in the Free State.
The police officer, a 47-year-old member attached to Hennenman as rural security coordinator, allegedly shot five people before taking his own life.
According to Brig. Thandi Mbambo, spokesperson for the police in the Free State, reported the member for duty at 16:00 on Saturday. He allegedly drove to Whittes Plot near Hennenman at around 00:30 on Sunday looking for his girlfriend.
After he could not locate her there, he and the girl’s uncle drove to another place where a family gathering was taking place.
Upon their arrival, the officer was told that his girlfriend was also not there. An argument reportedly ensued, after which the officer allegedly opened fire.
Three victims, the girl’s mother, her uncle and a 25-year-old woman, were pronounced dead at the scene. Two more people suffered gunshot wounds. One of them was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, while the other person suffered a scrape and was treated at the scene.
The officer reportedly returned to his vehicle after the shooting and shot himself.
The motive for the incident is not yet known and forms part of the investigation.
Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia, provincial police commissioner in the Free State, strongly condemned the incident and expressed his condolences to the families involved.
“This is a deeply disturbing and senseless incident that has devastated several families. On behalf of the South African Police Service in the Free State, I express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and I wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said Lesia.
“Although the circumstances surrounding this tragedy are still being investigated, there can be no justification for such actions. The police in the Free State remain committed to accountability and to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity among its members.”
Lesia ordered that a comprehensive investigation be carried out into the circumstances that preceded the incident.
Cases of murder and attempted murder will be filed. An inquest will also be held. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Opod) will conduct the investigation.
Police say further information will be released as the investigation progresses.