A constable, attached to the Middelburg Public Order Policing Unit, and his partner were found dead in Nhlazatshe, Elukwatini, on Sunday, October 4, in an apparent murder-suicide.

The South African Policing Union (SAPU) in Mpumalanga released a statement expressing deep concern over the alleged gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) incident.

Union details early-morning shooting

SAPU Provincial Secretary Jerry Maseko said the couple allegedly became involved in an argument at about 04:15 on Sunday while sitting in the constable’s vehicle. He said the constable allegedly shot his partner while she was in the passenger seat.

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The constable’s father allegedly heard gunshots outside the house, and his mother went outside to investigate, finding her son deceased.

SAPU demands mental health support for police

“As the Mpumalanga SAPU, we call for the full capacitation of Employee Health and Well-being (EHW) within the SAPS, in terms of both human and physical resources,” Maseko said.

“EHW must have professionals such as psychiatrists and psychologists who can develop programmes and awareness campaigns to help members deal with mental-health challenges, including the impact of GBVF, so they can better assist the communities they serve.”

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Lowvelder contacted provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo regarding the name of the constable and further details of the case. He had not responded at the time of publication.