An off-duty Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer has allegedly shot and killed a fellow off-duty officer during a domestic dispute in Protea Glen, Soweto. The incident occurred at about 3:30 am in Glenridge Extension 16. According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, preliminary reports indicate that the suspect officer was involved in a domestic altercation with her girlfriend before contacting a colleague and friend, who was also an off-duty JMPD officer, to assist in transporting the girlfriend away from the scene.
Fihla said the responding officer arrived at the residence, and the girlfriend got into her white Kia sedan. As the vehicle was driving away, the suspect allegedly fired seven shots from her service firearm at the departing vehicle. Unfortunately, the responding off-duty officer sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the shooting. The vehicle sustained extensive damage to both its front and rear windows. The suspect, a female JMPD officer, was arrested at the scene immediately following the incident. In line with legal protocols, the identity of the suspect cannot be revealed at this stage and will only be made public once she has formally appeared in court. Fihla added that the identity of the deceased officer is also being withheld out of respect for her family and until formal notifications have been completed.
As this matter involves a law enforcement officer discharging a service firearm, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been formally notified and has taken over the primary investigation. The JMPD is deeply saddened by this senseless loss of life within our ranks. The JMPD is fully cooperating with SAPS and IPID investigators to ensure justice is served.
Fihla further explained that the suspect had contacted the responding officer for assistance. 'The deceased off-duty officer, who was also a colleague of the suspect, arrived at the residence. It was at this point that the incident occurred.' Fihla described the scene as follows: 'The vehicle in which the deceased officer was fleeing had extensive damage, with the front and rear windows being shattered. This clearly indicates that shots were fired at the vehicle.' In light of the sensitive nature of this ongoing investigation, the JMPD will not release any further information at this stage. 'The focus is now on ensuring that all the necessary steps are taken to ensure justice is served for the deceased officer and her family,' Fihla said.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) processed the crime scene and registered a murder case at Protea SAPS. The deceased officer is expected to be buried in a private ceremony, with all necessary arrangements being made by SAPS.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has officially taken over the investigation into the incident, following a request from the JMPD. IPID spokesperson, Tlangelani Mthembu, confirmed this on Monday. 'Yes, IPID has taken over the case, as per standard protocol,' Mthembu said. 'The investigation is currently underway.' When questioned as to whether IPID would provide any further information on the investigation, Mthembu replied: 'IPID will, in due course, release a statement once the investigation is complete.'
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has come under scrutiny over the years for various incidents of police brutality and corruption. Critics have accused the JMPD of failing to address these issues, despite several investigations having taken place.
In response to the recent incident, JMPD management has expressed its commitment to ensuring that justice is served for the deceased officer and her family. JMPD spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla, stated: 'The JMPD is deeply saddened by this senseless loss of life. We will cooperate fully with SAPS and IPID investigators to ensure that justice is served.'
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining discipline within their ranks. The incident has also raised concerns about the adequacy of procedures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are currently investigating the matter.