Eastern Cape police officer shoots his wife three times, then turns his service pistol on himself

A 49-year-old police official stationed at Kwazakele SAPS allegedly shot his wife and then shot himself at their home in Bumbane Street, NU 4A, Ikamvelihle, on Monday morning, the South African Police Service says.

Police were called to the residential address at about 07:00. On arrival they were told the shooting had happened at the home of a police official. The firearm used was the member’s service pistol.

The wife survived. She sustained three gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment. Two children were in the house when the shots were fired and were not injured.

Police have opened an inquest docket and an attempted murder case. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and SAPS says no further information can be released at this stage.

Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, said the incident was deeply distressing to SAPS and that the thoughts of the service were with the injured wife as she recovers, with the two children who were in the house, and with the family.

“We recognise the trauma such incidents cause, and management will ensure that counselling and support are made available to those affected,” Ncata said.

He appealed to members and their families to reach out for help through SAPS wellness services, a trusted colleague or a professional counsellor if they are experiencing emotional distress, domestic conflict or any situation that feels beyond their control.

“Seeking help is a sign of strength, and support is available,” he said.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Zwelitsha. Enquiries are directed to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.

The account above is drawn from the SAPS media statement, which summarises the incident rather than setting out the case docket. The canonical statement is at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=72044.