Officers Killed in Early Morning Shooting Incident. Pic AIG
Thokozile Mnguni
Three South African Police Service officers have lost their lives following a shooting incident in Kariega in the early hours of today.
Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at a home on Rudman Street at around 00:45. On arrival, they found three constables with multiple gunshot wounds.
Two officers were declared dead at the scene, while a third later died after being taken to Cuyler Hospital.
Preliminary investigations suggest a male constable, believed to be the former boyfriend of a female constable, allegedly forced entry into the home where she and another male constable were present. Witnesses reportedly heard gunshots shortly afterwards.
A state-issued firearm was recovered at the scene along with 10 live rounds.
Ballistic analysis will form part of the ongoing investigation.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been notified and will conduct a parallel investigation in line with the IPID Act. The South African Police Service has also opened an internal disciplinary investigation.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata described the incident as a devastating loss for the police service.
Police said the identities of the deceased officers will only be released once their next of kin have been formally informed.