Cop arrested: wife shot dead at school

An Eastern Cape policeman allegedly shot and killed his school governing body member wife at Voorpos Primary School in Cambridge in East London on Friday.

The shocking incident took place on the grounds of the school, shortly after it had closed. No pupils are believed to have witnessed the event.

“The 44-year-old man has been detained at the Cambridge police station and will appear in the East London Magistrate’s Court on Monday to apply for bail,” said Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) spokesman Moses Dlamini.
Dlamini said the 36-year-old wife had obtained a protection order against her husband.

The two were separated, allegedly as a result of violence within the marriage, and the policeman’s state firearm had been confiscated by the police, said Dlamini.

The suspected murder weapon was taken by investigators for ballistic tests.
“We don’t know where he got the firearm he used but we will check who owns it,” Dlamini said.

The husband was stationed at Kidd’s Beach police station and is originally from Kwelera.

The couple have two children, said a police source close to the case. “She was staying in Mdantsane’s NU 18 while he went back to stay at the police barracks in Kidd’s Beach,” the source said.

Both Ipid and the Eastern Cape SAPS could not confirm reports that a man, believed to be the wife’s boyfriend, was wounded in the shoot-out. Reports on social media were rife that the wife’s lover survived the shooting and was rushed to hospital.

Dlamini said: “We cannot confirm that, all we know is that there was one person shot in that incident.”

According to witnesses, four gunshots were heard.

When the Daily Dispatch arrived on the scene, police had cordoned off the area.
The suspect had been arrested and was inside a police van.

Spokesman for the Eastern Cape department of education, Malibongwe Mtima, said the woman, who was a member of the school governing body (SGB), was shot in full view of school staff and management.

Mtima said because it was the last day of school, there were only a few pupils at the school and none of them witnessed the incident. “This allegedly happened during an SGB formal introduction session. Police were called on site and a case opened with them.

“The SGB member was declared dead by medics at the scene,” said Mtima.

He said counselling had been arranged for those who were at the school when the incident occurred. The MEC of education sent his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.

“Our fraternity has been robbed of a selfless individual who sacrificed her time to ensure our community participates in meaningful transformation in our schools. I hope her family finds solace in the Almighty,” said Makupula.

Eastern Cape provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Liziwe Ntshinga said in a statement last night: “We condemn this incident in the strongest sense and with the contempt it deserves. This act can never be condoned within the SAPS family and within the general community.”

Ntshinga said the next of kin had been informed and debriefing assistance was being rendered to those involved. Ntshinga said: “We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families, friend and colleagues, and also to encourage our members to consult with the EHW (Employee Health and Wellness).

“Our members must learn to speak with family members, colleagues, their local churches or parents if they are experiencing any challenges in their personal life.”
Ntshinga said the motive behind the killing was unknown. — malibongwed@ dispatch.co.za