By Palesa Matlala
• Three family members died and two others were wounded when a police officer opened fire at a family gathering near Hennenman.
• The officer later shot himself dead after the attack, which is now being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.
A night of violence left four people dead after a Free State police officer opened fire on his girlfriend’s relatives before killing himself.
The shooting happened in the early hours of Sunday near Hennenman.
Police say the officer reported for duty on Saturday before driving to Whites Plots after midnight to look for his girlfriend.
When he could not find her there, he was joined by her uncle and taken to another location where family members were gathered.
Police say trouble started when the officer was told that his girlfriend was not at the gathering.
A heated argument broke out.
Moments later, the officer allegedly pulled out a gun and started shooting.
Three people were killed at the scene.
The dead were the girlfriend’s mother, her uncle and a 25 year old woman.
Two other people were wounded in the attack and survived.
After the shooting, the officer turned the gun on himself and died.
The shocking incident has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers.
Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said investigators are still trying to establish what triggered the deadly rampage.
“The exact motive behind the tragic incident remains unknown and is currently under investigation,” said Mbambo.
She said the Independent Police Investigative Directorate will take over the case.
“Cases of murder, attempted murder and an inquest will be registered and investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate,” said Mbambo.
“Further information will be communicated as the investigation unfolds.”
Police are continuing their investigation into one of the province’s deadliest family shootings this year.
Pictured above: A South African Police Service tape.
Image source: File.
