Three Free State police die in separate incidents over the weekend

The South African Police Service in the Free State has expressed sadness for the loss of the three police officers over the weekend.

Two male police officers stationed at the Namahadi police station in Qwaqwa were gunned down, metres away from the station.

Police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele says constables Sipho Mohapi and Gedione Motloung were attending to a house robbery complaint.

In another incident, a female constable booked out a service firearm as she reported for duty at Theunissen Police Station and then shot herself in the toilets on Saturday.

Makhele has sent a message of condolence to the families.

“To the families, friends and colleagues of our fallen members we extend our deepest condolences. Your loss is our loss and we stand with you in this time of grief. As police officers you are called to serve and protect others often at great personal cost. The Provincial Commissioner would like to urge our SAPS members to utilise our services of employee wellness, either if they feel under pressure due to work or for personal issues. These services are here for our members.”