The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape has confirmed the deaths of three police officers following a shooting incident in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Kariega.
According to police, officers responded to reports of gunshots at a residence in Rudman Street at approximately 00:45. Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered three constables with multiple gunshot wounds.
Two officers were declared dead at the scene, while the third died after being transported to hospital. Police said the identities of the deceased will be released once their families have been informed.
Preliminary investigations suggest that a male constable, believed to be the former boyfriend of a female constable, allegedly forced entry into the house where she and another male constable were present. Witnesses reportedly heard gunshots shortly afterwards.
A state-issued firearm and 10 live rounds of ammunition were recovered at the scene, and ballistic testing will form part of the ongoing investigation.
The matter has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which will conduct a parallel investigation, while SAPS has also opened an internal disciplinary case.
Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Vuyisile Ncata described the incident as a devastating loss for the police service.
“This is a tragic and heartbreaking loss for the SAPS family. Three young officers have lost their lives under devastating circumstances,” said Ncata.
Police said trauma counselling and support are being provided to affected members and the families of the deceased officers.
