By Doreen Mokgolo
A Springs police constable shot and killed his long-term girlfriend on Sunday morning in a fit of jealousy before turning the gun on himself.
The bodies of Constable Kwanele Dunga and Nompumelelo Hlatswayo were discovered in Dunga’s car with gunshot wounds to each of their necks.
A fight broke out while they were at a tavern in Duduza, Ekurhuleni, with the constable apparently suspecting his girlfriend of cheating.
Witnesses reported seeing the couple leaving the tavern, with the officer forcing his girlfriend into his car before speeding off.
Soon afterwards their bodies were found in Dunga’s car on the side of the road in Pollak Park, Springs, with damaged windows on the left back and front right.
The officer had sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his neck, and his girlfriend had suffered a gunshot wound to the right side of hers. Dunga’s service pistol was found in his hand.
Nomthandazo Masikela, who witnessed the incident, recounted the events leading up to the tragedy, saying, “I feared that the couple was drunk and would cause an accident from the state the car was driving in. A short distance after, I heard the gun go off twice, followed by silence. When we went to investigate, we found the couple trapped in the car.”
Sergeant Themba Tshabalala, Springs police spokesperson, confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder and have opened an inquest. “The motive for the murder is still unknown, and investigations are underway,” he said.
Dunga and Hlatswayo were both declared dead at the scene.
Pictured above: Constable Kwanele Dunga and girlfriend Nompumelelo Hlatswayo
Image source: Supplied
