A 49-year-old police officer has died after allegedly shooting his wife three times before turning the firearm on himself at their home in Ikamvelihle, Gqeberha, on Monday morning.
The incident occurred at about 7am on 26 October at a residence in Bumbane Street, NU 4A.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana says the officer, who was stationed at Kwazakele police station, allegedly shot his wife before shooting himself.
The woman survived the attack and was rushed to hospital for treatment after sustaining three gunshot wounds.
Two children were inside the house at the time of the incident but were not injured.
Police confirmed that the firearm allegedly used in the shooting was the officer’s service pistol.
Authorities are investigating a case of attempted murder and have opened an inquest docket into the officer’s death.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata described the incident as deeply distressing, expressing concern for the injured woman, the children and the family.
Ncata says police management will ensure that counselling and support services are made available to those affected by the incident.
He added that the police recognise the trauma such incidents cause and are committed to providing the necessary support to the family.