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POLICE watchdog, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) said that a 39-year-old Northern Cape police sergeant, who committed suicide by shooting himself with his service pistol, had apparently fatally shot his wife three times.
The police officer had also reportedly shot and critically wounded a 24-year-old man who was at the scene with his 32-year-old wife – raising speculation of an apparent love triangle.
Ipid national spokesperson Grace Langa said the purported love affair could, however, not be officially confirmed without the concerned families’ input.
“On (Saturday), at about 8am, the Ipid members responsible for Springbok policing precinct received a phone call of a murder and attempted murder that occurred in Springbok. They proceeded to the crime scene and arrived at 12 (midday) in Springbok,” said Langa.
“It is alleged that, at about 6.05am, a complainant reported to the police that a member of POPS (Public Order Police) Springbok shot and killed his wife and wounded another male person who was with the deceased.”
Langa said the 32-year-old woman sustained three gunshot wounds.
“She had one entry wound in the rear right shoulder and two gunshot wounds in the right hip and underneath the right arm. She was declared dead on the scene.
“The second victim is a 24-year-old male. He was shot in the head and sustained one entry and one exit wound in the side of his head. His condition is critical. He was treated at Springbok Hospital and will be transferred to Upington Hospital.”
Langa said the suspect is a deceased police sergeant attached to the Springbok POP unit.
“Sergeant Hoffmann left the scene after the alleged incident and was later found on Carolusberg Road where he allegedly committed suicide in his car by shooting himself with his service pistol,” said Langa.
She said the deceased police officer had one gunshot wound under his chin and one exit wound in his head. He was declared dead on the scene.
Langa said Ipid investigators recovered three cartridge cases and three projectiles from the scene where the wife and the 24-year-old man were shot.
A single cartridge case was found inside the car where the police officer died.
Langa said the deceased police officer was found with his wife’s mobile phone.
“At this moment the motive is unknown and will only be known after the family has been interviewed,” said Langa.