Police officer kills cheating wife and domestic worker who hid the affair
A 44-year-old police sergeant was apprehended following a two-day manhunt after allegedly shooting and killing his wife and a domestic worker at their home in Masisi, Vhembe District, on October 29, 2024.
Following the initial crime, the sergeant managed to evade capture for nearly 48 hours, remaining on the move until law enforcement tracked him down on the evening of October 31, 2024. The arrest operation was carried out by members of the Vhembe SAPS District Task Team after spotting the suspect’s vehicle speeding along Tshitavha Road near the Sambandou Bridge, in the Makuya police area.
When officers attempted to intercept the vehicle, the suspect opened fire, initiating a shootout. Police swiftly returned fire, resulting in minor injuries to one officer, while the sergeant sustained injuries. The law enforcement team recovered the service weapon believed to have been used in both the initial shootings and the attempted escape.
Both the suspect and the injured officer were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities confirmed that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation, ensuring transparency due to the suspect’s position within the police force.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the quick and decisive response by Vhembe district police. “We extend our well-wishes for the injured officer’s recovery and assure the public that the suspect will face justice,” Hadebe stated. “His violent defiance and endangerment of our officers won’t be overlooked. I’m proud of our members’ professionalism and commitment to public safety.”
The suspect now faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder and attempted murder, and is expected to appear in Masisi Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
The shooting was allegedly as a result of the wife’s infidelity and the domestic worker was killed for keeping the alleged cheating a secret.