A police officer shot his pregnant ex-wife multiple times, killing her at a hospital in Brits on Wednesday morning.

The 39-year-old Sergeant handed himself over to the Brits police shortly after the incident.

According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone the police officer who is stationed at Silverton in Pretoria and lives in Ga-Rankuwa, went to the Brits District Hospital where his ex-wife worked early on Wednesday morning.

“According to information, the wife who was working as a switchboard operator, was at the hospital entrance when the suspect fired several shots, instantly killing her. The suspect who handed himself over to the police after the incident, is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The motive for the murder is unknown at this stage and investigations by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) are underway,” Mokgwabone said.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the incident and conveyed his deepest condolences to the victim’s family, friends and colleagues. He urged employees to utilise the police’s Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) and other professional services.

He said it was the second similar incident involving a police officer in less than a month.