MBOMBELA - An off-duty police constable (38) from the KaBokweni Police Station has been arrested on two counts of murder and one of attempted murder.

According to information at police disposal, the suspect went to Pienaar to visit his girlfriend, Goodness Mhaule, on the afternoon of Sunday, December 29. Upon his arrival, he found her with another man, identified as Sibusiso Justice Khoza (31).    

An argument apparently ensued whereupon the suspect allegedly drew his service firearm and fired shots at Khoza. He then fatally shot Mhaule as she was fleeing in the direction of her parents’ house. Her brother was also shot when he tried to intervene. Police and emergency personnel were immediately summoned. Both Mhaule and Khoza were certified dead at the scene. The constable was arrested whilst his girlfriend’s brother was rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect is expected to appear in the KaBokweni Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, December 31,on two counts of murder and one of attempted murder. 

The Provincial Commissioner for Police, Lt Gen Mondli Zuma, strongly condemned the officer’s callous acts, especially in the wake of the current scourge of gender-based violence and contact crimes in the country. “The suspect - by virtue of being a police officer - is entrusted with ensuring the safety and security of communities, and upholding the law at all times,” said Zuma. Further internal disciplinary action against the member is also underway, whilst IPID proceeds with its criminal investigation.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Lynette Brink
Submitted by: Brig Leonard Hlathi