A SHOCKING late-night shooting involving a police officer has left three people dead and two others injured before the officer turned the gun on himself, in what authorities are describing as a tragic and deeply disturbing incident.
The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Sunday, 7 June, near Hennenman in the Free State.
According to police, the 47-year-old SAPS member, who was stationed in Hennenman as a Rural Safety Coordinator, had reported for duty at 4pm on Saturday, 6 June.
It's alleged that at around 12.30am, the officer drove to Whittes Plot looking for his girlfriend.
When he failed to find her there, he and the woman's uncle reportedly travelled to another location where family members had gathered for an event.
Police say the situation took a deadly turn when the officer arrived and was told that his girlfriend was not at the gathering.
An argument allegedly broke out before the officer allegedly opened fire.
According to police, three people were killed in the shooting, including the girlfriend's mother, her uncle and a 25-year-old woman.
Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said two other people were wounded. One victim was rushed to hospital for treatment, while another suffered a graze wound and was treated at the scene.
It's further alleged that after the shooting, the officer returned to his vehicle and fatally shot himself.
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"The South African Police Service in the Free State is shocked and deeply concerned by this tragic incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that a SAPS member allegedly shot several people, resulting in fatalities and injuries, before taking his own life. The motive remains unknown at this stage and forms part of the ongoing investigation," said Mbambo.
The Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lieutenant-General Thabang Lesia, condemned the incident and expressed his condolences to the affected families.
"This is a deeply disturbing and senseless incident that has left several families devastated. On behalf of the South African Police Service in the Free State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and wish the injured victims a speedy recovery.
"While the circumstances surrounding this tragedy remain under investigation, there can be no justification for such conduct," said Lesia.
Lesia ordered a comprehensive investigation into the events leading up to the shooting.
Cases of murder, attempted murder and an inquest docket will be investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
Police say further details will be released as investigations continue.
