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A 39-year-old police sergeant is expected to appear in Emalahleni Court today after allegedly shooting and killing his wife, Elsie Mothali (37), in a tragic incident that has shocked the community. The shooting occurred in Witbank on 1 September, around 03:30 AM.
According to reports, Mothali was shot multiple times while driving, causing her vehicle to crash into a fence and get stuck in a trench. Following the incident, the police sergeant turned himself in at the Witbank police station and surrendered the firearm believed to have been used in the crime. The firearm is suspected to be state-issued, and ballistics tests will be conducted as part of the investigation.
The police sergeant has been arrested, and the case has been handed over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) for further investigation. While the motive for the killing remains unclear, preliminary investigations suggest that domestic violence may have been a factor, as the couple was reportedly facing domestic challenges.
Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, condemned the incident and emphasized that firearms issued to police officers are meant to combat crime and protect lives, not to cause harm. He expressed concern that incidents like this undermine efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide.
“Members should seek professional help whenever they face challenges in their families. The SAPS has an Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Component in place to assist members with their challenges, and their services are free of charge,” said Major General Mkhwanazi. An internal investigation has also been launched against the police sergeant in connection with the incident.
This case highlights the ongoing issues of domestic violence and the misuse of firearms, especially among law enforcement personnel, and raises questions about the support systems in place for those facing personal difficulties.