Tragedy strikes SAPS in Kariega as domestic dispute leaves three officers dead

An alleged domestic dispute involving SAPS members turned deadly in Kariega, Eastern Cape, after multiple shots were fired at a residence, leavingthree constables deadand the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The tragedy unfolded shortly after midnight on Thursday, May 7, after police responded to reports of shots fired at a residence in Rudman Street. According to Eastern Cape SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, officers arrived at the scene at about 12:45am and discovered three constables suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Two officers were declared dead at the scene, while a third later died at Cuyler Hospital. “Upon arrival at the scene, responding officers found three constables with multiple gunshot wounds.” Preliminary investigations suggest that a male constable believed to be the former boyfriend of a female constable allegedly forced entry into the residence where she and another male constable were present. “Witnesses reported hearing shots fired, after which all three members sustained fatal injuries,” she added.