The Police in Giyani have launched an investigation after a 37-year-old police sergeant shot and killed one person and wounded three other people at a tavern in N'wadzekudzeku village on Friday just after midnight. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the police received a report about the shooting incident and on arrival, they found four people with gun wounds.

ARGUMENT LEADS TO MURDER

Mashaba said one of the victims was certified dead at the scene while three were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The deceased was identified as 26-year-old Smangaliso Hlungwani from N'wadzekudzeku village. "According to information, the 37-year-old had a heated argument with patrons including the deceased and his friends. The officer pulled out a firearm and fired several shots at them. Some of the customers tried to apprehend him but he fired randomly and fled the scene," Mashaba said. Further investigation revealed that the suspect arrived at his house in the same village and turned the gun on himself. He died instantly. He was identified as Sukani Page Khosa, a sergeant attached at the SAPS Mopani District office.

CHARGES

Police opened a case of murder, three counts of attempted murder and an inquest. The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incident. "This is an unexpected incident, wherein our police officer is the prime suspect instead of servicing communities during this festive period," said Hadebe. "The law enforcers should conduct themselves accordingly and act within the framework of the law on and off their duties without being trigger-happy individuals," Hadebe added. Police investigations are continuing.