The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has confirmed that it is investigating the hostage situation and shooting incident that unfolded at a rental facility in Evander on May 12, which resulted in multiple fatalities and left the suspected gunman in critical condition, reports Ridge Times.

According to the IPID report, a man allegedly held three people hostage at the premises before police intervened.

It is alleged that during the police operation, the suspect shot and killed a woman inside the house.

Reports further indicate that another man who was also being held hostage was fatally shot by police when he tried to flee the residence.

He was declared dead at the scene. The suspect reportedly sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head during the incident.

He was airlifted to Mediclinic Sandton, where he remains in critical condition.

IPID spokesperson Lizzy Shuping said preliminary investigations at the scene revealed that the suspect is the individual currently hospitalised after allegedly shooting himself.

“Three people were held hostage by the suspect, including the two deceased victims and the sister of the woman who was killed. One of the deceased hostages was reportedly the suspect’s girlfriend, whom he allegedly fatally wounded before turning the gun on himself.”

“The girlfriend’s sister managed to contact the police for assistance and escaped unharmed. The second deceased victim, who was shot by police, was also allegedly being held hostage by the suspect,” she said.

Shuping confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.

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