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THE KIMBERLEY police are grappling with a sombre incident as they investigate the apparent suicide of a 39-year-old off-duty police officer.
The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, reportedly took his own life using his service pistol.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, the shooting incident occurred at the home of the police sergeant in Roodepan on Saturday, at around 4.30pm.
Gamieldien said the deceased officer was part of the Kimberley Public Order Policing unit but was off-duty at the time of the incident.
"No foul play is suspected and police investigations are continuing," said Gamieldien.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, expressed deep sorrow over the loss. She conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen officer.
Otola also urged fellow SAPS personnel to seek assistance from the employee health and wellness section when facing personal challenges.