Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of a 36-year-old woman allegedly by an off duty police Sergeant (43). The shocking incident took place last night, Tuesday 27 June 2023 around 22:55 at a certain fuel station in Bushbuckridge.
According to the report, the victim was in the kiosk behind the counter where she was employed as a cashier when the father of her three-year-old girl (who is a police Sergeant) reportedly arrived and entered the kiosk. Further information indicates he was permitted by the security guard to enter as he was known to be a police officer who often visits the woman.
After entering the place, it is said that an argument ensued between the two. Surprisingly, the member allegedly drew his service pistol during the heated conversation and shot her multiple times. Thereafter the security guard managed to lock the suspect inside the kiosk before he, as well as other employees ran for their lives, leaving him behind with the victim bleeding profusely. The female victim sustained some gunshot wounds.
The police in Bushbuckridge were alerted and they swiftly responded to find the member still inside the kiosk. He was then disarmed and arrested as well as charged for murder. The service firearm was seized for further investigation.
The paramedics also attended the scene however the woman was unfortunately certified dead. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) was also informed and they will conduct their investigation.
The Sergeant is working under Detective Services in Bushbuckridge. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage however domestic violence cannot be ruled out.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Bushbuckrigde Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Thursday 29 June 2023 on charges of murder.
Meanwhile the Lieutenant General Manamela has urged members of the SAPS and the public in general, to seek professional assistance from Employee Health and Welfare (EHW) or other relevant services from social workers rather than resorting to violence. “Incidents of domestic violence are heart breaking because innocent children are often left as destitute” said the General.
