Constable Wandile Sandile Nkosi, attached to the Middelburg Public Order Policing unit, allegedly shot and killed the mother of his young children, Silingene Gratitude Motha, before taking his own life in Nhlazatshe Ext 4 on October 4 in a suspected murder-suicide.

Elukwatini police responded to reports of a shooting at around 04:15.

Upon arrival on the scene, police discovered Motha sitting in a blue Ford Fiesta with gunshot wounds to her upper body.

Nkosi was found lying on the ground, and both were declared dead on the scene by emergency medical services.

Service pistol recovered beside body

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, preliminary investigations suggest that Nkosi shot and killed Motha before taking his own life.

Masondo said a service firearm alongside a magazine containing live ammunition was recovered next to Nkosi’s body.

“The case has been formally referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for further investigation,” Masondo said.

Commissioner calls for officers to seek support

Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise expressed sadness over the incident, urging police officers to utilise the mental health resources available to them.

“Police officers are supposed to uphold the law and protect lives, not to be perpetrators of violence. Within the police, there is Employee Health and Wellness. No argument should ever lead to loss of life,” said Modise.

Family bids farewell to Motha

Motha’s funeral service will be held on October 10 in Elukwatini, while Nkosi’s family did not specify the exact date of his funeral.

Nkosi and Motha leave behind two young children.