Pietermaritzburg police investigate attempted murder and suicide after man shoots two and turns firearm on himself

Police have opened an inquest into the death of a Pietermaritzburg man who shot two people and turned the gun on himself at a government office on Friday morning.

The shooting took place at the Department of Public Works office in the city centre.

Police spokesman Captain Nqobile Gwala said a man and a woman had been injured and taken to hospital. "The suspect also sustained a gunshot wound and died at the scene. A 9mm pistol was found next to his body."

Police have not established the motive for the shooting.

Gwala said two counts of attempted murder were under investigation.