The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has condemned a tragic shooting in Sekhukhune in which a police sergeant allegedly killed two family members, seriously wounded his wife and daughter and later took his own life as officers moved to arrest him.
The incident unfolded during the early hours of Saturday at Tayereni Village in the Dennilton policing area.
According to preliminary police investigations, the 52-year-old sergeant attached to SAPS Soshanguve in Gauteng and his wife had reportedly been experiencing domestic-related disputes.
Police said the wife had travelled to her parental home in Tayereni Village after requesting her mother to accompany her from Gauteng to Limpopo.
It is alleged that the suspect arrived at the family residence at about 1am and opened fire.
Police say he fatally shot his 68-year-old mother-in-law and his 29-year-old stepson before allegedly turning the weapon on his wife and their 14-year-old daughter.
The two injured victims managed to flee the scene and were admitted to a local hospital, where they remain under medical care. Following the shooting, police launched a manhunt for the suspect.
He was later traced to a residence in Dennilton. According to police, as officers attempted to effect his arrest, the suspect allegedly shot himself and died at the scene.
Authorities are still investigating whether the firearm used in the attack was an official SAPS-issued weapon or a privately owned firearm. The deceased officer was reportedly in possession of both. The two firearms and ammunition were confiscated and sent for forensic examination.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation.
Hadebe described the incident as deeply disturbing and extended condolences to the bereaved family.
“This is a deeply disturbing and tragic incident that has robbed a family of their loved ones. We condemn this senseless act of violence in the strongest possible terms,” she said.
“No disagreement or domestic dispute should ever result in the loss of life. We encourage anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help before situations escalate into irreversible tragedies.”
The provincial commissioner also wished the injured woman and her daughter a speedy recovery.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is continuing.
