A tragic incident has rocked the coastal town of Umkomaas, where a police sergeant allegedly shot and killed her 10-year-old daughter before attempting to take her own life.
According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident unfolded after a relative of the sergeant alerted authorities to a disturbing message she had sent, stating she was "tired and could not take it anymore."
Police rushed to the sergeant’s residence and were forced to break down the door. Inside, they discovered the off-duty officer and her daughter lying in a pool of blood.
The young girl was declared dead at the scene. Paramedics managed to resuscitate the sergeant, who was then airlifted to hospital in critical condition. Her official service pistol was found beside her.
Authorities have not yet released further details, and the motive behind the incident is under investigation. Police have urged the public to seek help when facing mental health challenges, reiterating the importance of early intervention in preventing such tragedies.