SAPS condemns murder‑suicide in Gqeberha, urges officers to seek help

What happened

Preliminary information indicates the couple were involved in an altercation at their residence in Parsonsvlei, Gqeberha, before a shooting on Saturday at about 12:05pm. Officers who arrived at the scene found the bodies of a 34‑year‑old female police official and her 44‑year‑old husband, both with gunshot wounds, and both were declared deceased on the scene.

Who the victims were

Police spokesperson Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa said:

“Both individuals were found with gunshot wounds and were declared deceased on the scene. The 34‑year‑old female is a Sergeant based at Mount Road SAPS and the 44‑year‑old male is also a Sergeant based at New Brighton Saps.”

Mawisa added:

“The circumstances surrounding this tragedy form part of the ongoing investigation. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident has been recovered and confiscated by police.”

SAPS response and support

The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness Programme has been activated to provide counselling and support to colleagues, families, and minors affected by the incident. Mawisa said SAPS condemned the violence, particularly cases involving police members who kill their partners and then themselves, and urged officers to seek help when facing emotional challenges.

Separate attempted‑murder incident in Mthatha

Police also reported a separate shooting on Saturday at about 11pm in Mthatha. A 60‑year‑old businessman has been arrested for attempted murder after allegedly opening fire during a traditional ceremony and wounding an off‑duty 39‑year‑old female police officer in the upper body.

Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said:

“The 60‑year‑old male suspect handed himself over to Mthatha police after the incident and his licensed firearm was confiscated for further investigations. The 39‑year‑old female victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, having sustained a bullet wound on her upper body. She is alleged to be in a stable condition. The motive for the shooting forms part of an ongoing investigation.”

Investigation under way

Police confirmed the firearms involved in both incidents have been confiscated for further investigation. The circumstances of the murder‑suicide and the motive behind the Mthatha shooting are the subject of ongoing probes.