Cape Town - The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has launched a probe after a Hout Bay police officer shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself at the police station on Wednesday.
The incident took place following an argument between the couple.
The 41-year-old sergeant was on duty when his 36-year-old wife visited him at the police station. Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said a murder case and a death inquest case docket were registered.
“The circumstances surrounding the death of a police sergeant, 41, and his wife, 36, are under police investigation following an incident at the Hout Bay police station this morning at around 10.25.
“It is alleged that the sergeant’s wife visited the police station, where her husband shot and killed her during an apparent domestic dispute. He then shot and killed himself. The sergeant was on duty at the time of the incident,” he said.
Ipid spokesperson Moses Dlamini said their officials were on the scene and were investigating the matter. The incident has left Hout Bay residents shocked.
The Hout Bay Community Policing Forum (CPF) advised residents that the police station would be closed temporarily and to contact or visit Camps Bay police station for assistance.
CPF member Anthony Chemarly said the officer was known in the community and was a long-serving member.
“This has been a traumatic event for his colleagues who were on duty at the time. Their identities would not be released at this time, and out of respect for the police and the immediate families, I would suggest you wait until they themselves issue a statement,” he said.
Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said he had contacted provincial police commissioner Khombinkosi Jula to convey her condolences to his members who worked with the officer.
Community Safety MEC Alan Winde said he called on police to launch a full investigation into this incident so that possible reasons behind this tragedy can be ascertained.
Winde conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased as well as SAPS at the Hout Bay station.