By Palesa Matlala
• Police say an off duty Johannesburg Metro Police officer allegedly fired seven shots at a car, killing a fellow officer who had come to help.
• The Independent Police Investigative Directorate is investigating the shooting after the suspect was arrested at the scene.
A Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officer has been arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a fellow off duty officer during a domestic dispute in Protea Glen, Soweto.
The shooting happened at about 3.30am on Sunday in Glenridge Extension 16.
According to JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla, the suspect, a female officer, had been involved in an argument with her girlfriend before the shooting.
Police said the officer then contacted a colleague, who was also an off duty JMPD officer and a friend, asking her to help take the girlfriend away from the house.
The responding officer arrived at the scene and the girlfriend got into the officer’s white Kia sedan.
As the vehicle was driving away, the suspect allegedly pulled out her service firearm and fired seven shots at the car.
The responding officer was struck by the gunfire and died at the scene.
The vehicle’s front and rear windows were badly damaged during the shooting.
The suspect was arrested immediately at the scene.
Fihla said the identities of both officers are being withheld.
The name of the suspect cannot be released until she appears in court, while the identity of the officer who died is being withheld until her family has been formally informed.
South African Police Service officers processed the crime scene and opened a murder case at Protea Glen police station.
Because the shooting involved a police officer using an official service firearm, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation.
IPID is the independent body responsible for investigating deaths, shootings and other serious incidents involving police officers and law enforcement officials.
Fihla said the department is shocked by the death of one of its own members.
“The JMPD is deeply saddened by this senseless loss of life within our ranks. We are fully cooperating with SAPS and IPID investigators to ensure justice is served,” he said.
He said no further details would be released while the criminal investigation continues.
The arrested officer is expected to appear in court soon on a charge of murder.
Pictured above: An off duty Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officer was arrested after allegedly shooting and killing a fellow officer in Protea Glen.
Image source: File
