KZN police probe deadly shootings involving officers

KwaZulu-Natal police are investigating cases of murder, attempted murder, and an inquest, as well as reckless and negligent driving, after a police constable allegedly shot and killed a tow truck driver at Machunwini. The incident happened in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It is alleged that the police constable also shot and injured his colleague and a community member before shooting himself dead.

Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda says, “It is reported that three police officers, two sergeants and a constable, who are members of the Tactical Response Team from the Free State Province, were driving from their deployment in Eastern Cape to Free State when they allegedly missed a detour sign at the roadworks and their vehicle collided with the barricades. Two community members responded and assisted by contacting ambulance services and a tow truck. It is further reported that the constable got out of the vehicle and shot at the tow truck driver. When his colleague intervened, the constable reportedly shot him and another community member. The constable then reportedly turned the gun on himself. The constable and the tow truck driver were declared dead at the scene, while the sergeant and the other man were rushed to the hospital. The third police officer survived the shooting.”

In another incident, police in Mandeni in northern KwaZulu-Natal are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following a shooting involving an off-duty police officer. A female officer was found dead and a male wounded in a house in the Mangethe area. Both had gunshot wounds.

A domestic dispute and attempted suicide could not be ruled out.

“IPSS Medical Rescue, alongside IPSS Security, responded to reports of a shooting in the Mangethe area. Sadly, the incident left one person deceased, with the second one in critical condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. While being stabilised by IPSS advanced life support paramedics, the emergency services helicopter was activated. The patient was airlifted to the hospital for further care,” says IPSS spokesperson Samantha Meyrick.