Phahlane condemns the killing of two police officers at domestic violence incident

Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane has condemned the killing of two police officers in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.

The two officers were killed after responding to a domestic violence dispute‚ in which a former policeman allegedly assaulted his wife – a policewoman – at the provincial SAPS office on Wednesday afternoon.

“Reports suggest that a gun-wielding man‚ against whom a protection order was granted‚ opened fire on the officers‚ during which [incident] two police officials were fatally wounded‚” said Phahlane’s spokeswoman‚ Colonel Athlenda Mathe.

“The suspect was fatally wounded during the cross-fire. The third officer was admitted to a local hospital in a critical condition.”

The Diamond Fields Advertiser reported that the former policeman allegedly “assaulted and tried to kill” his wife.

He drove off‚ followed by police. At an intersection he stopped and opened fire on police‚ killing one officer and injuring two others. One of the injured officers died later in hospital.

Motorists were caught up in the crossfire.

Phahlane said‚ “We condemn these attacks directed at our officers who were at the forefront of combating gender-based violence.

“We wish to convey our sincere condolences to the family‚ friends and colleagues of the two officers and wish the constable who is hospitalised a speedy recovery.”